4.1a Classification of Body Membranes

They allow all substances to pass through freely.

They act as a protective covering and selectively allow passage of substances.

They are only found in the skin.

They do not play any role in organ protection.

Cover body surfaces

Line body cavities

Produce hormones

Form protective sheets around organs

Cutaneous membranes

Synovial membranes

Mucous membranes

Serous membranes

Stratified squamous epithelium

Dense (fibrous) connective tissue

Loose connective tissue

Simple columnar epithelium

They line body cavities open to the exterior and secrete protective mucus.

They line body cavities closed to the exterior and secrete serous fluid.

They are only found in the digestive tract and do not secrete any substances.

They consist of only one layer of epithelial cells.

Epithelium

Lamina propria

Serous fluid

Parietal layer

Simple squamous epithelium

Areolar connective tissue

Lamina propria

Serous fluid

Outer balloon wall

Air inside the balloon

Inner balloon wall

The fist

Secrete lubricating fluid

Line the heart

Line fibrous capsules surrounding joints

Cover organs in the abdominal cavity

To allow all substances to pass freely

To act as a protective covering and selectively allow passage

To store nutrients for the organ

To produce energy for the organ