nyálkahártyákon

Nyálkahártyákon refers to the mucous membranes in Hungarian. These are delicate, moist tissues that line various cavities and passages within the body. They are found on the inner surfaces of the eyelids, in the mouth, nasal passages, respiratory tract, digestive tract, and the urogenital tract. The primary function of mucous membranes is to protect these sensitive areas from mechanical irritation, drying out, and infection.

The surface of mucous membranes is typically covered by a layer of mucus, a viscous fluid secreted by specialized cells called goblet cells or glands. This mucus acts as a lubricant, trapping foreign particles such as dust, bacteria, and viruses. In the respiratory tract, cilia, tiny hair-like structures, beat rhythmically to move the mucus and trapped particles away from the lungs. In the digestive tract, mucus helps to protect the lining from harsh digestive enzymes and acids.

Mucous membranes play a crucial role in absorption and secretion. For instance, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is highly adapted for absorbing nutrients from digested food. In other areas, they are involved in the secretion of substances like digestive juices or hormones. They are also rich in blood vessels, which aids in their protective and absorptive functions, and can contribute to the body's immune response. Inflammation of mucous membranes is known as mucositis, which can be caused by infections, irritants, or certain medical treatments.