Structure and Composition of Mucous Membrane - Mucosa is composed of epithelial cells and connective tissue. - The type of cells and mucus secreted vary between organs. - Mucous membranes line the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. - The total surface area of the mucosa in an adult human is about 400 square meters. - Mucous membranes are of endodermal origin, except for certain areas.

Functions of Mucous Membrane - Mucous membranes keep tissues moist, such as in the respiratory tract. - They play a role in absorbing and transforming nutrients. - Mucosa protects the stomach from stomach acid. - Mucosa lining the bladder protects underlying tissue from urine. - The uterine mucous membrane is called the endometrium and is eliminated during menstruation.

Nutrition for Mucous Membrane - Niacin and vitamin A are essential nutrients for maintaining mucous membranes.

Related Concepts - Alkaline mucus - Mucin - Mucociliary clearance - Mucocutaneous boundary - Mucosal immunology

References - Mucous membrane. Encyclopædia Britannica. - Guyton, Arthur C.; Hall, John E. (2006). Textbook of Medical Physiology, 11th Edition. - Stuart-Low, William (1905). Mucous Membranes Normal & Abnormal Including Mucin & Malignancy. - Sompayrac, Lauren (2012). How the Immune System Works, 4th Edition. - Chapter 25. Germ Layers and Their Derivatives - Review of Medical Embryology Book - LifeMap Discovery.