The difference between a basal lamina and a basement membrane is that
A) the basal lamina is thicker.
B) they lie on opposite surfaces of the epithelium.
C) a basal lamina plus a layer of reticular fibers equals a basement membrane.
D) only the basal lamina can be seen by light microscopy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A basal lamina is a thin layer of extracellular matrix that is produced by the epithelial cells and contains laminin and collagen type IV. A basement membrane is a structure that consists of a basal lamina, which is attached to a layer of reticular fibers secreted by underlying connective tissue cells, such as fibroblasts. Therefore, a basal lamina plus a layer of reticular fibers equals a basement membrane.

The Difference Between a Basal Lamina and a Basement Membrane