Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What are mucous membranes?

1. An involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain

2. The membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body

3. Actions or judgments that are misguided or wrong

4. A progressive disease that affects the spinal cord

The correct answer is: The membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body

Mucous membranes are indeed defined as the membranes that line body cavities which open to the outside of the body. These membranes are crucial in providing a protective barrier and are involved in various functions such as secretion and absorption. Mucous membranes contain epithelial cells, which produce mucus, helping to keep tissues moist and facilitating the movement of materials through various systems, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Understanding mucous membranes is important in the healthcare field, particularly for CNAs, as they play a role in patient care, hygiene, and monitoring for issues like dehydration or infection, especially in areas such as the mouth, nasal passage, and genitourinary tract.