Tissue Membranes Flashcards
Tissue membrane
A physical barrier that lines or covers body surfaces
What are the four types of tissue membranes?
Mucous, serous, cutaneous, synovial
What is the structure/characteristics of mucous membranes?
Consist of epithelial cells, their basement membrane, and lamina propria.
May contain smooth muscle cells or goblet cells.
Lamina propria
A thick layer of loose connective tissue.
Called areolar tissue when not referring to the mucous membrane.
What is the function of mucous membranes?
Protection, absorption, secretion, reduce friction by maintaining moisture
Where are mucous membranes located?
Lines passageways of digestive/respiratory/urinary/reproductive tracts
What is the structure/characteristics of serous membranes?
Consists of mesothelium, it’s basement membrane, and areolar tissue.
Has visceral and parietal layers.
Mesothelium
A layer of simple squamous epithelium
What is the function of serous membranes?
Produces serous fluid to reduce friction, holds organs in place, act as selectively permeable barriers to fluids
Where are serous membranes located?
Lines ventral body cavities (pericardial, peritoneal, pleural)
What is the structure/characteristics of cutaneous membranes?
Thick, waterproof and dry membrane
What is the function of cutaneous membranes?
Protection from damage and disease
Where are cutaneous membranes located?
Skin
What is the structure/characteristics of synovial membranes?
Consists of only connective tissue.
Can be mixed with dense connective tissue in joint capsule, or separated from it by areolar or adipose tissue
Contains synoviocytes
What is the function of synovial membranes?
Produces synovial fluids to lubricate joints
