What is the mucous membrane?
The
mucosa, also known as the mucous membrane, is a soft, humid and pink layer of cells that line several passages and cavities with holes exposed to the external environment. It is commonly found in digestive, respiratory, reproductive and urinary tractions in the body. The term "mucosa" is the singular form of the mucosa; More than one mucosa requires the use of the "mucosa" instead. It is a slimy, a slippery substance that acts as a protective secretion of the membrane. The main component of mucus is mucin glycoprotein, which is produced by specialized epithelial cells called cup cells in the mucosa. It is this component that is responsible for the texture of mucus because it is significantly responsible for creating jelly similar material. However, the membrane can be found in several other places in the body. This includes the rectum, genitals, ears, lids, mouth and lips.
The main purpose of the mucosa is to provide an area where it is located with lubrication. This reduces the limitation of substances or materials that move from oneplaces on the other in the body. It also acts as a protective shield from harmful agents by capturing them to stop their intended activities.
nasal mucosa, which provides the mucosa of the nostril, among other parts of the nasal cavity, is probably the most famous type of this membrane. It prevents the entry of substances such as dust, bacteria, allergens and pollutants. The nasal mucosa also includes the olfactory mucosa, which can be found in the upper nasal cavity and contains the necessary nerve endings for the sense of smell.
intestinal mucosa is another remarkable type of mucosaemembrane. It balances the innermost layer of the bowel of the body and is really a combination of three types of tissues: epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. When people eat food, the intestinal mucosa has direct contact with it and is largely responsible for breaking food into parts that are small enough for absorption. It also plays a role in mucus secretion, including substances.
Some mucous membranes have specialized names. For example, the endometrium is a medical term of the mucosal membrane lining the mammalian uterus. Glans clitoridis, which is the outer part of the clitoris, and the glans penis, which is the head of the penis, are also considered mucous membranes.