Membranes and Junctions

Question 1

Gap Junctions

Answer 1

channels that connect adjacent cells, allowing the exchange of small molecules, substrates, and metabolites.(communication)

Question 2

Tight Junctions

Answer 2

adheres cells tightly together between cells in epithelial and endothelial tissues.(tight seal)

Question 3

Mucous membrane

Answer 3

lines a body cavity that opens directly to the exterior. they line the entire digestive, respiratory, reproductive tracts, and much of the urinary tract. consists of layer of epithelial tissue and underlying layer of connective tissue.

Question 4

Serous membrane

Answer 4

lines a body cavity that does not open directly to the exterior. (thoracic or abdominal cavities) consists of areolar connective tissue and simple squamous epithelium. the epithelial layers secrets serous fluid, a watery lubricant that allows organs to glide easily over one another or to slide against the walls of cavities.

Question 5

Cutaneous membrane

Answer 5

covers the entire surface of the body and consists of a superficial portion called the epidermis and a deeper portion called the dermis. dermis consists of stratified squamous epithelium and the dermis consist of dense irregular connective tissue and areolar connective tissue.

Question 6

Synovial membrane

Answer 6

lines the cavities of freely movable joints. they lack an epithelium layer and therefore are not considered an epithelial membrane. made up of a discontinuous layer of cells called synoviocytes. these cells secrete synovial fluid; lubricates and nourishes the cartilage covering the bones at moveable joints and contains macrophages that remove microbes and debris from the joint cavity.