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.