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Veterinary Medicine vocabulary · Clinical Examination

Mucous membranes

Meaning in veterinary medicine, with examples

/ˈmjuːkəs ˈmembreɪnz/nounCommon term

In veterinary medicine, mucous membranes means: The moist pink linings inside the mouth, eyelids, nose and genitals. Vets look at their colour, especially on the gums, to judge circulation and oxygen levels.

In Turkish: mukozalar, mukoz zarlar

How it is used

Shortened to MM or MMs in notes: MMs pink and moist. Abnormal colours are described as pale, white, blue (cyanotic), yellow (jaundiced or icteric) or brick red (injected).

Example sentences

  1. Her mucous membranes are very pale, so I'm worried about blood loss.

  2. The cat's mucous membranes looked yellow, so we checked her liver values.

Common collocations

  • pale mucous membranes
  • pink mucous membranes
  • mucous membrane colour
  • check the mucous membranes
  • capillary refill timeThe time it takes for colour to return to the gum after it is pressed with a finger. It shows how well blood reaches the tissues; under two seconds is usually normal.
  • vital signsThe basic measurements that show how well an animal's body is working: temperature, heart rate, pulse and breathing rate.
  • dehydrationA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in, often because of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or not drinking.
  • physical examinationA systematic check of an animal's body by looking, feeling and listening: temperature, heart and lungs, eyes, ears, mouth, skin, lymph nodes and abdomen.

More terms: Clinical Examination

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.