mucosa

noun

mu·​co·​sa myü-ˈkō-zə How to pronounce mucosa (audio)
plural mucosae myü-ˈkō-(ˌ)zē How to pronounce mucosa (audio)
-ˌzī
or mucosas
: a membrane rich in mucous glands
specifically : one that lines body cavities and passages (as of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract) which communicate directly or indirectly with the outside of the body : mucous membrane
… to maximize the absorptive area of the epithelium, the mucosa of the small intestine is remodeled into an intricate array of finger or leaf-like protrusions, known as villi, which extend into the lumen. Benjamin D. Simons
Inhibition of neuraminidase prevents inactivation of influenza virus by respiratory mucus and likely facilitates infection of the airway mucosa. Frederick G. Hayden et al.
mucosal adjective

Examples of mucosa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Villi are found in the innermost layer of your intestine, known as the mucosa. Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024 These reduce cell proliferation and promote adequate blood flow throughout the GI mucosa. Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024 But the vaccines don’t induce secretory IgA because the cells that make secretory IgA are really lining the mucosa. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 Upon maturation, the adult hookworm latches onto the mucosa of the small intestine and begin to blood-suck. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2011 See all Example Sentences for mucosa 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of mucosus mucous

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mucosa was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near mucosa

Cite this Entry

“Mucosa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucosa. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

mucosa

noun
mu·​co·​sa myü-ˈkō-zə How to pronounce mucosa (audio)
plural mucosae -(ˌ)zē How to pronounce mucosa (audio) -ˌzī How to pronounce mucosa (audio) or mucosas
: a membrane rich in mucous glands that lines body passages and cavities (as of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts) which connect directly or indirectly with the exterior : mucous membrane
mucosal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mucosa

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