Types of Body Membranes
Epithelial Membranes
~Cutaneous Membranes
Locations: the skin, epidermis
- This is a dry membrane and is the outermost pretective layer.
- The superficial epidermis is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial.
- Underlying dermis is mostly composed of dense connective tissue.
- Its main function is protection, but it also insulates and cushions the deeper body organs.
~Mucous membranes
Surface Epithelium type depends on where it is located.
Locations: Stratified Squamous Epithelium is found in the mouth; Simple Columnar Epithelium would be found throughout the digestive tract
Locations: Stratified Squamous Epithelium is found in the mouth; Simple Columnar Epithelium would be found throughout the digestive tract
- This Membrane lines all cavities that open up to the exterior body surface.
- nostrils, the mouth, the lips, the eyelids, the ears, the genital area, and the anus
- Often adapted for absorption or secretion.
~Serous membranes
Locations: surface is a layer of simple squamous epithelium; underlying tissue is a thin layer of areolar connective tissue
- This membrane lines open cavities that are closed to the exterior body surface.
- it occurs in pairs seperated by squamous fluid.
- The visceral layer covers the outside of the organ.
- The parietal layer lines a portion of the wall of the ventral body cavity.
Peritonium- abdominal cavity (visceral or parietal)
Pleura- around the lungs
Pericardium- around the heart
Connective Tissue Membranes
~Synovial membrane
Locations: the soft tissue between the articular capsule (joint capsule) and the joint cavity of synovial joints
This membrane secretes a lubricating fluid to reduce the amount of friction on the joints.
Sydney Sandage