Classification of Body Membranes

What are the two major categories of body membrane according to tissue makeup?

Epithelial tissue, Connective Tissue

What are examples of epithelial membranes?

cutaneous membrane, mucous membrane, serous membrane

What is the structure of the cutaneous membrane?

the superficial epidermis, the dermis

What is the superficial epidermis composed of?

stratified squamous epithelium

What is the dermis composed of?

dense irregular connective tissues

How does the cutaneous membrane differ from other epithelial membranes?

It is dry and exposed to air

What is the structure of mucous membranes?

composed of epithelium resting on the lamina propria, most contain either stratified squamous epithelium or simple columnar epithelium

Where can you find mucous membranes?

lining of all body cavities open to the exterior, e.g. mouth, oesophagus, digestive tract

What is the structure of serous membranes?

layer of simple squamous epithelium resting on thin layer of areolar connective tissue

Where are serous membranes found?

line compartments in the ventral body cavity that are closed to the exterior

What separates the serous layers?

Serous fluid

what is serous fluid?

fluid secreted by serous membranes that allow the organs to easily slide across cavity walls and one another without friction or pain

What are examples of serous membranes?

peritoneum, pleurae, pericardia

What is the peritoneum?

serous membranes lining the abdominal cavity and organs

What are the pluerae?

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs

What are the pericardia?

serous membranes surrounding the heart

What is an example of connective tissue membranes?

Synovial membranes

Where are synovial membranes found?

line the fibrous capsules surrounding joints, line bursae and tendon sheaths

Why do synovial membranes line fibrous capsules surrounding joints?

to provide a smooth surface and secrete lubricating fluid

Why do synovial membranes line bursae and tendon sheaths?

to cushion organs moving against each other during muscle activity

What are bursae?

small sacs of connective tissue