Mucosal

Mucous membrane lines the internal surfaces of our body. It can consist of up to three basic layers (laminas): lamina epithelialis (surface layer of the epithelium), lamina propria mucosae (ligament) and lamina muscularis mucosae (muscle).

The lamina muscularis mucosae may not always be present and may sometimes be discontinuous.

The specific structure of the mucous membrane differs in the individual organ systems of our body. Mucous membranes represent a possible point of entry of infection into the organism, therefore they must be very well defended - the mucosal immune system serves this purpose, which includes the lymphatic tissue. The mucosa also contains a greater number of glands.

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 * Upper Respiratory Tract Mucous