mucosa
noun
mu·co·sa myü-ˈkō-zə 
plural mucosae myü-ˈkō-(ˌ)zē
-ˌzī
or mucosas : 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
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.
Frederick G. Hayden et al. mucosal
myü-ˈkō-zəl
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Nine existing vaccines work along these lines, using oral drops to protect the mucosa against diseases such as polio and the flu. The Week Staff, The Week, 14 Aug. 2022 For example, the agency is funding efforts to boost protection in the nasal mucosa, where COVID often takes root. Madison Muller, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 Like bouncers at a bar, IgA antibodies are the primary immune molecules on guard in the mucosa. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 July 2022 The sinuses to which Williams refers are the paranasal sinuses, which are aerated structures lined by respiratory mucosa and bone surrounding the nose. Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Once in the intestines, the worms embed themselves in the mucosa of the small intestines and reproduce. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2022 Specifically, the researchers examined olfactory neurons in the nasal mucosa, blood vessels, and the number of olfactory axons—which are parts of neurons that transmit electrical signals—in each patient. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Apr. 2022 Given these antimicrobial features, it is considered the biochemical barrier of the mucosa (Figure 3). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Trying to enhance the vaccine with an extra ingredient, called an adjuvant, inflamed the nasal mucosa and led to Bell’s palsy in some people. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2022 See More
The Week Staff, The Week, 14 Aug. 2022 For example, the agency is funding efforts to boost protection in the nasal mucosa, where COVID often takes root. Madison Muller, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 Like bouncers at a bar, IgA antibodies are the primary immune molecules on guard in the mucosa. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 July 2022 The sinuses to which Williams refers are the paranasal sinuses, which are aerated structures lined by respiratory mucosa and bone surrounding the nose. Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Once in the intestines, the worms embed themselves in the mucosa of the small intestines and reproduce. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2022 Specifically, the researchers examined olfactory neurons in the nasal mucosa, blood vessels, and the number of olfactory axons—which are parts of neurons that transmit electrical signals—in each patient. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Apr. 2022 Given these antimicrobial features, it is considered the biochemical barrier of the mucosa (Figure 3). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Trying to enhance the vaccine with an extra ingredient, called an adjuvant, inflamed the nasal mucosa and led to Bell’s palsy in some people. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin, feminine of mucosus mucous
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
mucosa
noun
mu·co·sa myü-ˈkō-zə
plural mucosae -(ˌ)zē -ˌzī or mucosas
-ˌzī or mucosas : a membrane rich in mucous glands that lines body passages and cavities (as of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts) which connect directly or indirectly with the exterior : mucous membrane