Basement Membrane (also known as Basement Membranes, Membrane, Basement): A darkly stained mat-like EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) that separates cell layers, such as EPITHELIUM from ENDOTHELIUM or a layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE. The ECM layer that supports an overlying EPITHELIUM or ENDOTHELIUM is called basal lamina. Basem

NIH MeSH · D001485Anatomy

Basement Membrane

Also known asBasement Membranes · Membrane, Basement · Membranes, Basement · Basal Lamina · Lamina, Basal · Basement Lamina · Lamina, Basement · Lamina Lucida · Lucida, Lamina · Lamina Densa · Densas, Lamina · Lamina Reticularis

Definition

A darkly stained mat-like EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) that separates cell layers, such as EPITHELIUM from ENDOTHELIUM or a layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE. The ECM layer that supports an overlying EPITHELIUM or ENDOTHELIUM is called basal lamina. Basement membrane (BM) can be formed by the fusion of either two adjacent basal laminae or a basal lamina with an adjacent reticular lamina of connective tissue. BM, composed mainly of TYPE IV COLLAGEN; glycoprotein LAMININ; and PROTEOGLYCAN, provides barriers as well as channels between interacting cell layers.

MeSH classification

  • A10.615.179
  • A11.284.295.310.070

Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?

Ask GoDavaii AI about Basement Membrane

Related concepts

Allantois

An extra-embryonic membranous sac derived from the YOLK SAC of REPTILES; BIRDS; and MAMMALS. It lies between two other extra-embryonic membr…

Amnion

The innermost membranous sac that surrounds and protects the developing embryo which is bathed in the AMNIOTIC FLUID. Amnion cells are secre…

Basilar Membrane

A basement membrane in the cochlea that supports the hair cells of the ORGAN OF CORTI, consisting keratin-like fibrils. It stretches from th…

Common questions about Basement Membrane

What does Basement Membrane mean in medicine?
A darkly stained mat-like EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) that separates cell layers, such as EPITHELIUM from ENDOTHELIUM or a layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE. The ECM layer that supports an overlying EPITHELIUM or ENDOTHELIUM is called basal lamina. Basement membrane (BM) can be formed by the fusion of either two adjacent basal laminae or a basal lamina with an adjacent reticular lamina of connective tissue. BM, composed mainly of TYPE IV COLLAGEN; glycoprotein LAMININ; and PROTEOGLYCAN, provides barriers as well as channels between interacting cell layers. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Basement Membrane known by any other names?
Yes. Basement Membrane is also referred to as Basement Membranes, Membrane, Basement, Membranes, Basement, Basal Lamina in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Basement Membrane sit in the medical classification?
Basement Membrane falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A10.615.179, A11.284.295.310.070). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Basement Membrane?
For a plain-language explanation of Basement Membrane - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Basement Membrane" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D001485) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗