What are the functions of the mucous membranes lining the respiratory system?

Answer 1

I think that it is a smooth tissue to ease the passage of air, so I think that it has not a specific function for the respiratory system. However, this is not an answer from an expert. Since answers can be afterwards edited, please wait for another response.

Wikipedia says the following about mucous membrane >

Structure of the Mucous Membrane -The epithelium covering the mucous membrane differs in its character according to the functions of the part of the nose in which it is found. In the respiratory region it is columnar and ciliated. Interspersed among the columnar cells are goblet or mucin cells, while between their bases are found smaller pyramidal cells. Beneath the epithelium and its basement membrane is a fibrous layer infiltrated with lymph corpuscles, so as to form in many parts a diffuse adenoid tissue, and under this a nearly continuous layer of small and larger glands, some mucous and some serous, the ducts of which open upon the surface. In the olfactory region the mucous membrane is yellowish in color and the epithelial cells are columnar and non-ciliated; they are of two kinds, supporting cells and olfactory cells. The supporting cells contain oval nuclei, which are situated in the deeper parts of the cells and constitute the zone of oval nuclei; the superficial part of each cell is columnar, and contains granules of yellow pigment, while its deep part is prolonged as a delicate process which ramifies and communicates with similar processes from neighboring cells, so as to form a net-work in the mucous membrane. Lying between the deep processes of the supporting cells are a number of bipolar nerve cells, the olfactory cells, each consisting of a small amount of granular protoplasm with a large spherical nucleus, and possessing two processes-a superficial one which runs between the columnar epithelial cells, and projects on the surface of the mucous membrane as a fine, hair-like process, the olfactory hair; the other or deep process runs inward, is frequently beaded, and is continued as the axon of an olfactory nerve fiber. Beneath the epithelium, and extending through the thickness of the mucous membrane, is a layer of tubular, often branched, glands, the glands of Bowman, identical in structure with serous glands. The epithelial cells of the nose, fauces and respiratory passages play an important role in the maintenance of an equable temperature, by the moisture with which they keep the surface always slightly lubricated.

As you see, the mucous membrane has many and important functions.

Answer 2

You have two primary brochi. Each divides into 10 branches and redivide 16 times and then alveoli divide 6 times. So over the large passage of air you have mucus secreted by bronchial surface and any foreign particles are trapped into it. They are expelled out side. By movement of cilia present inside the surface. Cilia move in outward direction. However the very fine particles less than 4 micron size may enetr the alveoli, causing damage to them.

Answer 3

The mucous membranes lining the respiratory system help trap and remove dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles from the air we breathe. They also produce mucus that helps moisten and protect the airways, and contain cells that can produce immune responses to pathogens.

Answer 4

they protct the body from germs entering the anol.

Answer 5

It collects debris from the air we breathe acting as a filtering system.

Answer 6

yes, it protect the respiratory system