mucosa
noun
mu·co·sa
| \ myü-ˈkō-zə
\
\
plural mucosae\ myü-ˈkō-(ˌ)zē
, -ˌzī \
or mucosas
, -ˌzī \
or mucosas
Definition of mucosa
: a membrane rich in mucous glands
specifically
: one that lines body cavities and passages (as of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract) which communicate directly or indirectly with the outside of the body : mucous membrane
… to maximize the absorptive area of the epithelium, the mucosa of the small intestine is remodeled into an intricate array of finger or leaf-like protrusions, known as villi, which extend into the lumen. — Benjamin D. Simons Inhibition of neuraminidase prevents inactivation of influenza virus by respiratory mucus and likely facilitates infection of the airway mucosa. — Frederick G. Hayden et al.