mucous membrane
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mucous membrane
A thin, moist layer of tissue that lines the inside of body cavities such as the mouth, nose, stomach, and intestines. It produces mucus that protects these areas and keeps them moist.
Eine Erkältung führt oft zu einer gereizten Schleimhaut in der Nase.
A cold often leads to an irritated mucous membrane in the nose.
The word is composed of 'der Schleim' (mucus) and 'die Haut' (skin). So it literally describes a 'skin' made of mucus that lines the inside of body organs.
Eine gesunde Schleimhaut ist eine wichtige Barriere gegen Krankheitserreger.
A healthy mucous membrane is an important barrier against pathogens.
In a medical context, 'Schleimhaut' (mucous membrane) is often combined with adjectives that describe its condition. Common examples are 'gereizte' (irritated), 'trockene' (dry), 'entzündete' (inflamed), or 'geschwollene' (swollen) Schleimhaut.
Trockene Heizungsluft kann die Schleimhäute austrocknen.
Dry heated air can dry out the mucous membranes.
Although 'Schleimhaut' (mucous membrane) is a medical technical term, it is also used very frequently in everyday language, especially when talking about colds, allergies, or general health.
In der Apotheke fragte ich nach etwas, das die Schleimhaut beruhigt.
At the pharmacy, I asked for something that soothes the mucous membrane.
skin
'die Haut' and 'die Schleimhaut' are both layers of tissue on or inside the body. 'Haut' means the outer layer of the body, which you can see and touch. 'Schleimhaut' means a moist layer inside the body, for example in the mouth, nose, or stomach. Learners may confuse the words because 'Schleimhaut' is also a kind of protective skin. In everyday language, you say 'Haut' when talking about arms, the face, or the surface of the body. 'Schleimhaut' is more appropriate for medical topics and for the inside of the body.
Bei einer Erkältung ist die Schleimhaut in der Nase oft gereizt.
When you have a cold, the mucous membrane in the nose is often irritated.
Die Ärztin sah sich die Haut am Arm genau an.
The doctor examined the skin on the arm closely.