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.
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.
It collects debris from the air we breathe acting as a filtering system.
they protct the body from germs entering the anol.
yes, it protect the respiratory system
Mucous Membrane
believe it or not, mucous membranes secrete mucous. It helps protect the respiratory system (or whichever system the mucous membrane you're referring to is in).
mucous membraneMucous membranes line the body cavities that open directly to the exterior.a. Mucous membraneSerosaThe type of epithelial tissue lining the inside of an organ is called Simple columnar epithelium while the type of epithelia that lines the outside (exterior) of the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory tracts is called stratified cuboidal epithelium.
esophagus Every system that has an outside opening produces mucous. This includes the respiratory, urinary, digestive and urogenital systems. Also the lining of the eye produces mucous. This substance keeps the membranes moist and prevents them from drying out.
Mucus membranes line the nose and throat.Some creams ,such as Sudocream carry a warning not to get any on the mucus membranes,they mean the nose and mouth/throat.They are found in your nose and in your mouth also around your eyesMucous membranes are tissues that line body cavities or canals such as the throat, nose, mouth, urethra, rectum, and vagina. Mucous membranes produce a thick, slippery liquid called mucus that protects the membranes and keeps them moist. Mucous may refer to: * The adjectival form of mucus, a slippery secretion of the lining of various membranes in the body
Mucous Membrane
Mucous membranes
Common cold
believe it or not, mucous membranes secrete mucous. It helps protect the respiratory system (or whichever system the mucous membrane you're referring to is in).
esophagus Every system that has an outside opening produces mucous. This includes the respiratory, urinary, digestive and urogenital systems. Also the lining of the eye produces mucous. This substance keeps the membranes moist and prevents them from drying out.
mucous membranes of the respiratory tract
Mucous membranes line the digestive and respiratory tracts.
true
The medical term for thin hairs attached to the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract is "cilia." Cilia help to move mucus and foreign particles out of the airways to keep the respiratory system healthy and functioning properly.
bronchial asthma
Mucous membranes of the respiratory, genitourinary, and intestinal tracts provide a habitat for numerous bacteria. 2) Streptococcus, Corynebacterium - respiratory tract 3) Lactobacillus - vagina 4) Clostridium, Enterics - intestinal tract
esophagus Every system that has an outside opening produces mucous. This includes the respiratory, urinary, digestive and urogenital systems. Also the lining of the eye produces mucous. This substance keeps the membranes moist and prevents them from drying out.