Mucosallined

Mucosallined is an adjective referring to surfaces or cavities that are lined with a mucous membrane, or mucosa. In human anatomy, mucosally lined structures include the mouth, nasal passages, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, as well as portions of the airway, urinary tract, and reproductive tract. The term is more commonly written as mucosal-lined, though mucosallined may appear in some texts as a combined form.

Most mucosae consist of a mucosal epithelium supported by a lamina propria of connective tissue, and in many regions a thin layer of muscularis mucosae. The epithelium is often specialized, with ciliated cells in the respiratory tract, absorptive cells in the gut, and mucus-secreting goblet cells in various mucosae. The mucosal surface is coated with mucus produced by goblet cells and submucosal glands; mucus protects against mechanical damage, traps microbes, and contains antimicrobial peptides and secretory IgA.

Functions include barrier protection, lubrication, respiration and digestion facilitation, and immune surveillance. The mucosal immune system recognizes pathogens via pattern-recognition receptors and coordinates local responses.

Clinical relevance: mucosal damage can occur from infections, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, inflammatory diseases (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or chemical irritants. Maintenance of mucosal integrity is important in transplantation, drug delivery, and nutrition.

See also: Mucosa, Mucous membrane, Mucosal immunity, Gastrointestinal tract, Respiratory tract.