We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Epithelial Membranes?

By T. Carrier
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 56,887
Share

Epithelial membranes are comprised of epithelial tissue and connective tissue. These membranes serve as linings and covering for various body structures, and they also form glands. Two primary types of epithelial membranes exist: serous membranes and mucous membranes. Epithelial tissue has several uses, including absorption of materials, protection from foreign sources, providing a sense of touch, secreting bodily fluids, and transporting materials between cells.

The structure of epithelial membranes is basic. A top layer of epithelial tissue is joined to underlying connective tissue by a basement membrane. This middle layer is created by proteins and carbohydrates secreted by both epithelial and connective tissue. The connective tissue layer houses nerves and blood vessels that supply the upper layers, and it also binds the membrane to the bodily structures. When epithelial cells fold into the connective tissue, glands are formed.

The outer portion of epithelial membranes — epithelial tissue — may be composed of a single layer of cells known as simple epithelium. Multiple layers of cells constitute stratified epithelium. The former type of epithelium is named by the shape of its nuclei, such as cuboidal or columnar. Simple epithelial cells are found lining structures such as blood vessels, the lungs, the reproductive organs, and various glands. Some simple cells contain sense receptors that aid in touch, while others, like pseudostratified epithelial cells, have short hairs called cilia that aid in moving body materials.

Stratified epithelium, on the other hand, lines structures that must withstand greater rigor, like the esophagus, the urinary tract, and the skin. Two further types of stratified epithelial classifications are keratinized and transitional. Keratinized epithelium is unique due to its tough, waterproof exterior comprised of dead cells. In contrast, stretching capabilities characterize transitional epithelium. All three tissue cell layers create epithelium: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

Mucous membranes, also called mucosae, are one major type of epithelial membrane. They line portions of the body that have an outside opening. Their primary function is absorption and secretion. Therefore, the digestive tract, the excretory tract, the reproductive tract, and the respiratory tract all possess mucous membrane coverings.

The other main epithelial membrane type consists of serous membranes. These structures derive their name from the serous fluid they produce. The fluid is secreted by epithelial tissue and protects organs in close proximity from injuring each other. As such, serous membranes line and protect internal organs and the organ cavities that contain them. The pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity, is one example of a serous membrane.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By cloudel — On Jul 30, 2011

I suffer from chronic allergies, and I find the cilia of the epithelial membranes fascinating. These tiny hairs guard the mucous membranes by grabbing onto particles of dust or other foreign matter.

After they catch something, the cilia move to and fro to push the particle either toward the pharynx so that it can go through the body’s digestive system and exit the body or to the nostrils, where it can be blown out.

These little catchers are dedicated to the team of the epithelial membranes. I’m sure that my allergies would be a lot worse if not for the efforts of the cilia.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-epithelial-membranes.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.