Membranes & Tissues

What is a membrane?

A thin sheet of tissue that covers surfaces, lines cavities, surrounds organs

What are the 3 main types of membranes

Mucous, serous, synovial

What is the function of mucous membranes?

Secrete mucus to keep surfaces moist and reduce friction

Where are mucous membranes found?

Respiratory, digestive, reproductive and urinary tracts

What do mucous membranes line?

Mucous membranes line all body cavities that are open to the exterior of the body

What is the function of serous membranes?

Secrete a thin, watery, serous fluid to allow membrane to slide past one another with little friction

What are the 2 layers of serous membranes?

Parietal (lines cavity wall) and visceral (covers organs)

Name the 3 types of serous membranes

Pluera (lungs), pericardium (heart), peritoneum (abdominal cavity/organs)

What do serous membranes line?

Serous membranes line all body cavities that are NOT open to the exterior of the body

What is the function of synovial membranes?

Secrete clear, sticky, oily synovial fluid → lubricates and nourishes joints

Where are synovial membranes found?

Cavities of moveable joints (elbow, wrist)

What is the function of glands?

To secrete substances

What are the 2 main types of glands?

Exocrine and endocrine

What is an exocrine gland?

Gland with ducts that secrete substances outside the body (sweat/salivary glands)

What is an endocrine gland?

Ductless gland that secrete hormones into the bloodstream (thyroid/adrenal glands)

How do exocrine glands deliver their secretions?

Through ducts to the surface of the body or into a cavity

How do endocrine glands deliver their secretions?

Directly into the blood