Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
mucosa \mucosa\ n. The mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior; called also mucous membrane.
Syn: mucous membrane.
Wiktionary
n. (context anatomy English) A membrane which secretes mucus. It forms the lining of various body passages that communicate with the air, such as the respiratory, genitourinary, and alimentary tracts including the mouth, nasal passages, vagina and urethra.
WordNet
n. mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior [syn: mucosa]
Wikipedia
A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body and surrounds internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. It is of ectodermal origin and is continuous with the skin at various body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, the urethral opening and the anus. Some mucous membranes secrete mucus, a thick protective fluid. The function of the membrane is to stop pathogens and dirt from entering the body and to prevent bodily tissues from becoming dehydrated.
Usage examples of "mucous membrane".
Heart clots were very common, if not universally present, in cases of ulceration of the intestinal mucous membrane, while in the uncomplicated cases of diarrhea and scurvy, the blood was fluid and did not coagulate readily, and the heart clots and fibrous concretions were almost universally absent.
It is a local stimulant to the mucous membrane, especially to the alimentary tract, and therefore is a remedy of great value as a carminative in flatulent colic and a useful addition to laxative medicine.
This mixed nerve arises in the medulla, near its junction with the pons, and innervates the mucous membrane of the rear of the tongue and of the throat.
In the absolutely fresh state, both English and American Arums are violent irritants to the mucous membrane, producing when chewed, intense burning to the mouth and throat, and if taken internally, causing violent gastro-enteritis, which may end in death.
This makes an excellent drink in cases of irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, and taken at night will induce sleep.
During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane: Bearberry leaves are, therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.
The generic name of the plant, Hydrastis, is derived from two Greek words, signifying water and to accomplish, probably given it from its effect on the mucous membrane.
She had begun to think that fairly close contact-particularly with a mucous membrane-was needed to communicate the disease.
Kenyon found the mucous membrane was irritated and required soothing.
She felt the sharpened end bite into the soft pink mucous membrane in the the back of its throat, saw the spurt of scarlet blood, and then the lion locked its jaws on the stave and with a toss of its flying mane ripped it out of her hands and sent it windmilling out and down to hit the earth below.
The stellately-branched hairs which cover the leaves so thickly act as a protective coat, checking too great a giving off of the plant's moisture, and also are a defensive weapon of the plant, for not only do they prevent the attacks of creeping insects, but they set up an intense irritation in the mucous membrane of any grazing animals that may attempt to browse upon them, so that the plants are usually left severely alone by them.
In cases of ulceration of the mucous membrane of the intestinal canal, the fibrous element of the blood was increased.
When he laid back his ears and bared his teeth, the mucous membrane in the corner of his savage eyes was the colour of blood.
These will be followed by involuntary urination and bleeding from the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, mouth and genitalia.
Centaine's tongue filled her mouth, thick and leathery, and the mucous membrane of her throat and nostrils was swollen and painful so that it was difficult to breathe.