What is the function of mucous membranes in the body?

Mucous membranes serve the important function of lining body passages and cavities that are exposed to the external environment. These membranes are composed of epithelial tissues and produce mucus, which plays a critical role in protecting and lubricating surfaces. Mucus traps pathogens and particles, preventing them from entering the body and helping to keep these surfaces moist. This characteristic is particularly vital in areas such as the respiratory and digestive tracts, where the exposure to the external environment is significant.

In contrast, structural support to organs is more closely associated with connective tissues rather than mucous membranes. Absorbing nutrients from food involves specialized structures like the intestinal lining and villi. Lastly, the storage of fat and energy is a function of adipose tissue, not mucous membranes. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the role of mucous membranes as protectors and lubricants in bodily systems.