mucous membrane

/ˌˈmjukəs ˌmɛmˈbreɪn/

Other forms: mucous membranes

Definitions of mucous membrane

1. noun

   mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior
   synonyms: mucosa

   types:

   conjunctiva

   a transparent lubricating mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid

   endometrium

   (pregnancy) the mucous membrane that lines the uterus; thickens under hormonal control and (if pregnancy does not occur) is shed in menstruation; if pregnancy occurs it is shed along with the placenta at parturition

   hymen, maidenhead, virginal membrane

   a fold of tissue that partly covers the entrance to the vagina of a virgin

   bulbar conjunctiva, conjunctival layer of bulb, tunica conjunctiva bulbi

   the part of the conjunctiva covering the anterior face of the sclera and the surface epithelium of the cornea

   conjunctival layer of eyelids, palpebra conjunctiva, tunica conjunctiva palpebrarum

   the part of the conjunctiva lining the posterior surface of the eyelids; continuous with the bulbar conjunctiva

   pinguecula

   a slightly elevated elastic tissue deposit in the conjunctiva that may extend to the cornea but does not cover it

   pterygium

   either of two thickened triangular layers of conjunctiva extending from the nasal edge of the eye to the cornea; it arises from irritation of the pinguecula

   imperforate hymen

   hymen that is completely closed so that menstrual blood cannot flow out

   type of:

   membrane, tissue layer

   a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants