muco-, muc-, muci-, mucin- +
(Latin: mucus, mucous, or mucosa; a viscid, slippery, slime secretion of the mucous membranes; related to mucor, "mold, moldiness")
2. Related to the transition from a mucous membrane to the skin.
2. Having the effect of reducing, or arresting, the secretion of mucus.
2. Secreting mucus.
3. Having the nature of, or resembling, mucus.
2. The general name given to the membrane that lines many of the hollow organs of the body.
These membranes vary widely in structure in different sites, but all have the common character of being lubricated by mucus.
It is derived in some cases from isolated cells on the surface of the membrane, but more generally from definite glands placed beneath the membrane, and opening here and there through it via ducts.
The air passages, the gastrointestinal tract, and the ducts of glands that open into it; and also the urinary passages, are all lined by mucous membrane.
2. A viscid fluid secreted by mucous membranes and glands, consisting of mucin, leukocytes, inorganic salts, water, and epithelial cells (tissue that forms a thin protective layer on exposed bodily surfaces and forms the lining of internal cavities, ducts, and organs).
3. A thick, slimy fluid of mucous membranes and glands, composed of mucin, water, desquamated cells (peeled off in scales), leukocytes, and various inorganic salts; secreted by glands lining the nasal, esophageal, and other body cavities.
It is mainly composed of a substance called mucin, which varies according to the particular mucous membrane from which it is derived, and it contains other substances; such as, cells cast off from the surface of the membrane, enzymes, and dust particles.
Under normal conditions, the surface of a mucous membrane is lubricated by only a small quantity of mucus; the appearance of large quantities is a sign of inflammation.