mucous membranes

Examples of mucous membranes in the following topics:

• Epithelial Membranes

  • The mucous membranes are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion.
  • The mucous membranes are linings of ectodermal origin.
  • These mucus membranes are involved in absorption and secretion.  
  • The term "mucous membrane" refers to where they are found in the body; not every mucous membrane secretes mucus.
  • Most mucous membranes contain stratified squamous or simple columnar epithelial tissue.

• Abscesses and Ulcers

  • An abscess is a collection of pus that results from an infectious process, while an ulcer is a break or opening in the mucous membrane.
  • An aphthous ulcer, also known as a canker sore, is a type of mouth ulcer that presents itself as a painful open sore inside the mouth or upper throat, characterized by a break in the mucous membrane.

• Gross Anatomy of the Stomach

  • A mucous membrane lines the stomach which contains glands (with chief cells) that secrete gastric juices.
  • They supply the muscular coat, ramify in the submucous coat, and are finally distributed to the mucous membrane.
  • From these plexuses fibrils are distributed to the muscular tissue and the mucous membrane.

• Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

  • Candidal vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vagina's mucous membranes caused by Candida albicans.
  • Candidal vulvovaginitis or vaginal thrush is an infection of the vagina's mucous membranes by Candida albicans .

• Skin and Mucosae (Surface Barriers)

  • The basement membrane is  a thin sheet of fibers called the basement membrane that separates the dermis and epidermis.
  • The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in various types of epithelium, that are involved in absorption and secretion.
  • Most mucous membranes secrete a sticky, thick fluid called mucus, which facilitates several barrier immune system functions and provides a moist environment for internal and semi-internal structures.

• Syphilis

  • While secondary disease is known for the many different ways it can manifest, symptoms most commonly involve the skin, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes.
  • It may form flat, broad, whitish, wart-like lesions known as condyloma latum on mucous membranes.
  • The spirochete is able to pass through intact mucous membranes or compromised skin.

• Urethra

  • The urethra consists of three coats of tissues: muscular, erectile, and mucous; the muscular layer being a continuation of the smooth muscle of the bladder. 
  • The mucuous urethral tissue are mucous membranes that line the interior of the urethra.
  • The mucuous membranes are especially important for protecting the urethral tissues from the corrosive effects of urine.

• Vagina

  • The vagina, along with the inside of the vulva, is reddish pink in color, as are most healthy internal mucous membranes in mammals.
  • The membrane of the vaginal wall also produces moisture, although it does not contain any glands.
  • The hymen is a membrane of tissue that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening.
  • The walls of the vagina are composed of soft elastic folds of mucous membrane which stretch or contract (with support from pelvic muscles) to the size of the inserted penis or other object, stimulating the penis and helping to cause the male to experience orgasm and ejaculation, thus enabling fertilization.

• Mouth

  • The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelial tissue that lines the inside of the mouth.
  • This membrane maintains a moist and lubricated environment within the mouth, preparing the digestive system for the entry of food.
  • The lips mark the transition from mucous membrane to outer  epithelial skin, which covers most of the body.

• Histology of the Small Intestine

  • The outermost layer of the intestine, the serosa, is a smooth membrane consisting of a thin layer of cells, which secrete serous fluid, and a thin layer of connective tissue.
  • The muscularis is a region of muscle adjacent to the submucosa membrane.
  • The mucosa is the innermost tissue layer of the small intestines, and is a mucous membrane that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones.