mucosa

noun

mu·​co·​sa myü-ˈkō-zə 

plural mucosae myü-ˈkō-(ˌ)zē 

-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

myü-ˈkō-zəl 

adjective

Examples of mucosa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

This second, inside skin is called the mucosa. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022

That IgG can move from the blood across the mucosa. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of mucosus mucous

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mucosa

noun

mu·​co·​sa myü-ˈkō-zə 

plural mucosae -(ˌ)zē  -ˌzī  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

-zəl 

adjective