What are the four types of membranes?

Membranes are thin layers of epithelial tissue usually bound to an underlying layer of connective tissue. Membranes cover, protect, or separate other structures or tissues in the body. The four types of membranes are: 1) cutaneous membranes; 2) serous membranes; 3) mucous membranes; and 4) synovial membranes. The cutaneous membrane is skin. Skin consists of a layer of stratified squamous epithelium (epidermis) firmly attached to a thick layer of dense connective tissue (dermis). It differs from other membranes because it is exposed to air and is dry. The serous membranes (or serosae) consist of simple squamous epithelium (a mesothelium) supported by a layer of connective tissue (areolar). These moist membranes line the closed, internal divisions of the ventral body cavity. The three types of serous membranes are: 1) the pleura, lining the pleural cavities and covering the lungs; 2) the peritoneum, lining the peritoneal cavity and covering the abdominal organs; and 3) the pericardium, lining the pericardial cavity and covering the heart. The mucous membranes (or mucosae) consist of epithelial tissue (usually stratified squamous or simple columnar epithelia) on a layer of loose connective tissue called the lamina propria (from the Latin, meaning “one’s own layer”). The mucosae line the body cavities that open to the exterior, such as the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary tracts. These membranes are kept moist by bodily secretions. Synovial membranes are composed of connective tissue. They surround the cavity of joints, filling the space with the synovial fluid that they make. The synovial fluid lubricates the ends of the bones allowing them to move freely.