Mucous membrane facts for kids

A mucous membrane (also called mucosa) is a special lining found inside your body. It's a bit like your skin, but it's soft and moist. These membranes are covered by a layer of special cells called epithelium. They often make and release a slippery fluid called mucus. In places like your digestive system, they also help your body absorb nutrients from food.

Mucous membranes line many parts of your body that are open to the outside world, like your mouth, nose, and eyelids. They also line many internal organs. Unlike your skin, which has hair, mucous membranes are smooth and hairless.

What Are Mucous Membranes?

Mucous membranes are important linings inside your body. Think of them as soft, protective layers. They are different from your outer skin because they are usually moist and don't have hair.

Where Are Mucous Membranes Found?

These special linings are located in many places throughout your body. They are found in areas that connect with the outside world.

• Your nostrils
• Inside your mouth and on your lips
• Your eyelids
• Inside your ears

They also line many internal parts of your body, including your lungs, stomach, and intestines.

What Do Mucous Membranes Do?

Mucous membranes have several important jobs:

• Protection: They act as a barrier, protecting your body from germs and harmful substances.
• Secretion: Many of them produce and release mucus, which helps keep the surfaces moist and traps dirt or germs.
• Absorption: In your digestive system, mucous membranes play a key role in absorbing nutrients from the food you eat into your bloodstream.

Mucus: The Sticky Protector

The sticky, thick fluid that many mucous membranes and glands produce is called mucus. This mucus is very important for your health. It helps to:

• Keep tissues moist.
• Trap dust, pollen, and germs, stopping them from entering your body.
• Protect the lining of organs, like your stomach, from strong acids.

While the term mucous membrane refers to where these linings are found, it's good to know that not every mucous membrane actually secretes mucus.

See also

In Spanish: Mucosa para niños