Question:

Why is the urethra considered to be mucous membranes that can allow HIV to enter the body but the labia minora are not, even though both have sebaceous glands?

Answer provided by:

The presence of sebaceous glands does not define a mucosal surface, or your entire skin would be mucosa.

The urethra contains abundant mucous glands. The labia minora do have some "mucosal surface," but most is covered with thin skin.

I don't think that all mucosal surfaces are susceptible to HIV transmission. The oral mucosa seems pretty resistant, as the function of the mouth requires mechanical strength. The vulvar and vaginal structures are also designed to absorb friction and mechanical stress, where covered by skin or mucosa.

The urethra is just plain more delicate, as it is not really designed for the same kinds of stresses.

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