Basement membrane
- Pronunciation
- /BASE-ment MEM-bruh-ne/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Basement membrane
- Plural
- Basement membranes
Definition
A thin layer of extracellular material that lies between an epithelium and its underlying connective tissue, composed of a mixture of proteins and glycoproteins. In the context of entomology and arachnology, it also serves as a structural support for insect and arachnid tissues and organs.
Etymology
Example
The basement membrane provides structural support for the epithelial cells and acts as a barrier to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Related Terms
- Epithelium
- Connective tissue
- Extracellular matrix