Membranes of the Body

Front

cutaneous membrane

Back

The skin; superficial epidermis

Front

mucous membranes

Back

Wet membranes that line body cavities that open to the exterior; often adapted for absorption or secretion

Front

serous membranes

Back

Membranes that line body cavities that are closed to the exterior; occur in pairs; secrete serous fluid

Front

visceral layer

Back

Serous membrane layer that covers the outside of an organ

Front

parietal layer

Back

Serous membrane layer that lines the inside wall of the cavity.

Front

synovial membranes

Back

Membranes that line the fibrous capsules surrounding joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths; secrete lubricating fluid.

Front

epidermis

Back

Superficial skin layer composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Front

keratinocytes

Back

Cells that make up 90% of the epidermis; produce and store the protein keratin.

Front

keratin

Back

protein that makes cells tough, scaly, and water-resistant

Front

melanocytes

Back

cells in the lower layer of the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin