Membrane..

A thin layer of tissue that serves to cover a structure is called a membrane. It is spread over a surface or serves to cover any cavity or organ. This membrane acts to prevent infection and injury.

There are three main types of membranes in the body. Which are as follows.

1. Mucus membrane…

This layer is also known as mucosa. It is important in forming the inner lining of any system or organ in the body. It is a wet, moist layer. Which is formed by epithelium tissue. Goblet cells are also present in its structure. Which secretes mucus and keeps this layer constantly moist. This layer performs the following functions.

It acts as lubrication.

Works to prevent injury.

Works for infection prevention.

As this membrane is arranged completely inside, no micro organism or foreign material can enter inside the body. So it also acts as a body’s protective barrier.

2. Serous membrane…

It is also called serosa. It is always a double layer membrane. In which the outer membrane is called the parietal layer and the inner layer is called the visceral layer. A serous space is formed between these two layers.

This serous membrane secretes a fluid. Which is called serous fluid. It resides in this serous space.

This fluid being viscous prevents friction between the two layers and makes the movement smooth and painless.

This layer surrounds the moving organs like heart, lungs etc.

3. Synovial membrane…

This membrane is located in the inner lining of the KVT forming the joint. It is called synovial membrane. It is made up of epithelium cells. This membrane secretes a clear sticky fluid. The fluid is called synovial fluid.

This fluid acts as a lubrication for the joint. It prevents friction at the joint. It makes the movement of the joint smooth and painless. It helps remove cellular waste from the joint.

• Gland…

A gland is a group of special type of epithelium cells. Which is associated with any one special type of secretion. Total two types of glands are located in the body.

1. Exocrine gland..

This gland sheds its secretion on any cell, tissue or surface. It has a duct and through this duct sheds its secretion on any surface.

The secretion of this gland is known as juice, saliva or Chyme.

The secretions of these glands do not mix with the blood.

These glands vary in size and shape. Mainly this gland is a gland that helps in digestion. For example salivary gland..

2. Endocrine gland..

This gland mixes its secretion directly with blood or lymph. It is known as duct gland. Its secretion is known as hormones.

An endocrine gland that secretes body hormones regulates many vital functions. An example of this gland is the pituitary gland.