The reason why mucous membranes are so important in infection is because the mucous membranes act as a primary barrier against the infections and pathogens.
The mucous membranes trap and eliminate the pathogens that cause infections and keep them from entering the body before they can cause an infection and illness.
Mucous membranes are what line the body's openings such as the nose, lungs, mouth, digestive tract and secrete mucus which is a sticky substance which traps foreign particles including bacteria, virus and other pathogens.
The mucous membranes also are an immune system defense and are a key part of your innate immune system and contains immune cells and antimicrobial substances which also help defend the body against infections.
Your mucus layer traps the bacteria, pathogens and viruses and prevents them from reaching the underlying tissues that could cause infections.
In areas like your respiratory tract, the cillia which are tiny hair like structures are what helps to move the trapped mucus as well as pathogens away from your lungs and prevents them from settling and causing infections.
Lubrication and protection are also functions of the mucous membranes as the muuous membranes also provide lubrication and protect your tissues from drying out and becoming damaged, because when damaged the tissues could lead to further infection.
The mucous membranes are antimicrobial substances which contain substances such as immunoglobulins and lysozyme which have antimicrobial properties that further contribute to the defense against infections.
Mucins are also a part of the mucous membrane and are a family of glycoproteins which form the structural component of your mucosal barrier and plays a critical role in regulating your microbial interactions and protects against pathogens.
Your gut's mucous membrane also plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and is essential for overall health as well as immunity.