membrane (redirected from continuous membrane)

membrane /mem·brane/ (mem´brān) a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ.

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alveolar-capillary membrane , alveolocapillary membrane a thin tissue barrier through which gases are exchanged between the alveolar air and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Called also blood-air barrier and blood-gas barrier.

alveolodental membrane  periodontium.

arachnoid membrane  arachnoid (2).

atlantooccipital membrane  either of two midline ligamentous structures, one (the anterior ) passing from the anterior arch of the atlas to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum, and the other (the posterior ) connecting the posterior aspects of the same structures.

basement membrane  a sheet of amorphous extracellular material upon which the basal surfaces of epithelial cells rest; it is also associated with muscle cells, Schwann cells, fat cells, and capillaries, interposed between the cellular elements and the underlying connective layer.

Basement membrane, comprising the basal lamina and reticular lamina, in a diagram of a section through epithelial tissue.

basilar membrane of cochlear duct  lamina basilaris.

Bichat's membrane  fenestrated m.

Bowman's membrane  a thin layer of cornea between the outer layer of stratified epithelium and the substantia propria.

Bruch's membrane  the inner layer of the choroid, separating it from the pigmentary layer of the retina.

Brunn's membrane  the epithelium of the olfactory region of the nose.

cloacal membrane  the thin temporary barrier between the embryonic hindgut and the exterior.

Corti's membrane  a gelatinous mass resting on the organ of Corti, connected with the hairs of the hair cells.

croupous membrane  the false membrane of true croup.

cytoplasmic membrane  plasma m.

decidual membranes , deciduous membranes decidua.

Descemet's membrane  a thin hyaline membrane between the substantia propria and endothelial layer of the cornea.

diphtheritic membrane  a false membrane characteristic of diphtheria, formed by coagulation necrosis.

drum membrane  tympanic m.

elastic membrane  one made up largely of elastic fibers.

enamel membrane 

1. dental cuticle.

2. the inner layer of cells within the enamel organ of the fetal dental germ.

epiretinal membrane  a pathologic membrane partially covering the surface of the retina, probably originating chiefly from the retinal pigment epithelial and glial cells.

extraembryonic membranes  those that protect the embryo or fetus and provide for its nutrition, respiration, and excretion; the yolk sac (umbilical vesicle), allantois, amnion, chorion, decidua, and placenta.

false membrane  neomembrane; a membranous exudate, such as the diphtheritic membrane.

fenestrated membrane  one of the perforated elastic sheets of the tunica intima and tunica media of arteries.

fetal membranes  extraembryonic m's.

fibroelastic membrane of larynx  the fibroelastic layer beneath the mucous coat of the larynx.

germinal membrane  blastoderm.

glomerular membrane  the membrane covering a glomerular capillary.

hemodialyzer membrane  the semipermeable membrane that filters the blood in a hemodialyzer, commonly made of cuprophane, cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile, or polymethyl methacrylate.

hyaline membrane 

1. a membrane between the outer root sheath and inner fibrous layer of a hair follicle.

2. a layer of eosinophilic hyaline material lining alveoli, alveolar ducts, and bronchioles, found at autopsy in infants who have died of respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn.

hyaloid membrane  vitreous m. (1).

Jackson's membrane  a web of adhesions sometimes covering the cecum and causing obstruction of the bowel.

keratogenous membrane  matrix unguis.

limiting membrane  one which constitutes the border of some tissue or structure.

medullary membrane  endosteum.

mucous membrane  the membrane lining various canals and cavities of the body.

Nasmyth's membrane  dental cuticle.

nuclear membrane 

1. either of the membranes, inner and outer, comprising the nuclear envelope.

2. nuclear envelope.

olfactory membrane  the olfactory portion of the mucous membrane lining the nasal fossa.

ovular membrane  vitelline m.

peridental membrane , periodontal membrane periodontal ligament.

placental membrane  the membrane separating the fetal from the maternal blood in the placenta; sometimes inappropriately called the placental barrier.

Placental membrane separating the blood in the fetal capillaries from the maternal blood in the intervillous space. (A), chorionic villus containing the fetal vessels and surrounded by maternal blood in the intervillous space; (B), cross-section through a villus, showing the layers of the placental membrane separating the fetal blood from the maternal blood surrounding the villus.

plasma membrane  the structure, composed of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, that encloses the cytoplasm of a cell, forming a selectively permeable barrier.

pupillary membrane  a mesodermal layer attached to the rim or front of the iris during embryonic development.

Reissner's membrane  the thin anterior wall of the cochlear duct, separating it from the scala vestibuli.

reticular membrane , reticulated membrane a netlike membrane over the spiral organ of the ear, through which pass the free ends of the outer hair cells.

membrane of round window  secondary tympanic m.

Ruysch's membrane , ruyschian membrane lamina choroidocapillaris.

Scarpa's membrane  secondary tympanic m.

schneiderian membrane  the mucous membrane lining the nose.

secondary tympanic membrane  the membrane enclosing the fenestra cochlearis.

serous membrane  tunica serosa.

Shrapnell's membrane  the thin upper part of the tympanic membrane.

suprapleural membrane  the strengthened portion of the endothoracic fascia attached to the inner part of the first rib and the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra.

synaptic membrane  the part of the plasma membrane of a neuron that is within a synapse.

synovial membrane 

1. the inner of the two layers of the articular capsule of a synovial joint, composed of loose connective tissue and having a free smooth surface that lines the joint cavity.

2. either of two membranes, superior and inferior, lining the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.

tectorial membrane  Corti's m.

tympanic membrane  the thin partition between the external acoustic meatus and the middle ear.

Tympanic membrane (membrana tympanica).

undulating membrane  a protoplasmic membrane running like a fin along the bodies of certain protozoa.

unit membrane  the trilaminar structure of the plasma membrane and other cellular membranes (e.g., nuclear m's, mitochondrial m's) revealed by the electron microscope.

vestibular membrane of cochlear duct  the thin anterior wall of the cochlear duct, separating it from the scala tympani.

vitelline membrane  the cytoplasmic, noncellular membrane surrounding an oocyte.

vitreous membrane 

1. a delicate boundary layer investing the vitreous body.

2. Bruch's m.

3. Descemet's m.

4. hyaline m. (1).

yolk membrane  vitelline m.

Zinn's membrane  ciliary zonule.

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mem·brane (mmbrn)

n.

1. A thin pliable layer of tissue covering surfaces, enveloping a part, lining a cavity, or separating or connecting structures or organs.

2. Cell membrane.

3. A thin sheet of natural or synthetic material that is permeable to substances in solution.

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membrane

[mem′brān]

Etymology: L, membrana, thin skin

a thin layer of tissue composed of epithelial cells and connective tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space in the body. The principal kinds of membranes are mucous membrane, serous membrane, skin, and synovial membrane.

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membrane [mem´brān]

a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ. adj., adj mem´branous.

alveolar-capillary membrane (alveolocapillary membrane) a thin tissue barrier through which gases are exchanged between the alveolar air and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Called also blood-air barrier and blood-gas barrier.

alveolodental membrane periodontium.

arachnoid membrane arachnoid.

basement membrane a sheet of amorphous extracellular material upon which the basal surfaces of epithelial cells rest; it is also associated with muscle cells, Schwann cells, fat cells, and capillaries, interposed between the cellular elements and the underlying connective tissue. It comprises two layers, the basal lamina and the reticular lamina, and is composed of Type IV collagen (which is unique to basement membranes), laminin, fibronectin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

basilar membrane the lower boundary of the scala media of the ear.

Bowman's membrane a thin layer of basement membrane between the outer layer of stratified epithelium and the substantia propria of the cornea.

Bruch's membrane the inner layer of the choroid, separating it from the pigmented layer of the retina.

cell membrane plasma membrane.

decidual m's (deciduous m's) decidua.

Descemet's membrane the posterior lining membrane of the cornea; it is a thin hyaline membrane between the substantia propria and the endothelial layer of the cornea.

diphtheritic membrane the peculiar false membrane characteristic of diphtheria, formed by coagulation necrosis.

drum membrane tympanic membrane.

epiretinal membrane a pathologic membrane partially covering the surface of the retina, probably originating chiefly from the retinal pigment epithelial and glial cells; membranes peripheral to the macula are generally asymptomatic, while those involving the macula or adjacent to it may cause reduction in vision, visual distortion, and diplopia.

extraembryonic m's those that protect the embryo or fetus and provide for its nutrition, respiration, and excretion; the yolk sac (umbilical vesicle), allantois, amnion, chorion, decidua, and placenta. Called also fetal membranes.

false membrane a membranous exudate, such as the diphtheritic membrane; called also neomembrane.

fenestrated membrane one of the perforated elastic sheets of the tunica intima and tunica media of arteries.

fetal m's extraembryonic membranes.

hemodialyzer membrane the semipermeable membrane that filters the blood in a hemodialyzer, commonly made of cuprophane, cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, or polysulfone.

Henle's membrane fenestrated membrane.

high efficiency membrane a hemodialyzer membrane that has clearance characteristics that increase progressively with increases in dialysis blood flow rates; this usually implies that the membrane is not a high flux membrane.

high flux membrane a hemodialyzer membrane that has a high permeability to fluids and solutes and thus a high rate of clearance of fluids and solutes composed of large molecules.

hyaline membrane

1. a membrane between the outer root sheath and inner fibrous layer of a hair follicle.

2. basement membrane.

3. a homogeneous eosinophilic membrane lining alveolar ducts and alveoli, frequently found at autopsy of infants that were preterm. See also hyaline membrane disease.

hyoglossal membrane a fibrous lamina connecting the undersurface of the tongue with the hyoid bone.

impaired oral mucous membrane a nursing diagnosis approved by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as disruptions of the lips and soft tissue of the oral cavity. Changes in the integrity and health of the oral mucous membrane can occur as a characteristic of such medical disorders as periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, oral cancer, and infection with herpes. Chemical irritants such as alcohol and tobacco can also adversely affect the oral mucous membrane, as can mechanical trauma due to broken teeth, poorly fitting dentures, and endotracheal intubation. Other etiologic factors include dehydration, mouth breathing, poor oral hygiene, radiation to the head or neck, and antineoplastic agents.

Preventive measures that can help maintain the health and integrity of the oral mucosa will depend on the cause. Routinely brushing and flossing the teeth during the day and at bedtime can help avoid dental caries and periodontal disease. Some patients may need instruction in the proper procedure for cleaning the teeth and removing debris and plaque, or they may need assistance in devising ways to cope with physical disabilities that make good oral hygiene difficult for them. Patients who are unconscious or unable to perform self-care activities should have mouth care as often as needed to keep the mouth clean and moist and avoid aspiration of debris and infectious microorganisms. Adequate hydration and a lip lubricant can help avoid alterations in the oral mucosa and promote comfort.

limiting membrane one that constitutes the border of some tissue or structure.

mucous membrane the membrane covered with epithelium that lines the tubular organs of the body.

Nasmyth's membrane primary cuticle.

nuclear membrane

1. either of the membranes, inner and outer, comprising the nuclear envelope.

2. nuclear envelope.

olfactory membrane the olfactory portion of the mucous membrane lining the nasal fossa.

placental membrane the membrane that separates the fetal from the maternal blood in the placenta.

plasma membrane the membrane that encloses a cell; it is composed of phospholipids, glycolipids, cholesterol, and proteins. The primary structure is a lipid bilayer. Phospholipid molecules have an electrically charged “head” that attracts water and a hydrocarbon “tail” that repels water; they line up side by side in two opposing layers with their heads on the inner or outer surface of the membrane and their tails in the core, from which water is excluded. The other lipids affect the structural properties of the membrane. Proteins embedded in the membrane transport specific molecules across the membrane, act as hormone receptors, or perform other functions.

Reissner's membrane the thin anterior wall of the cochlear duct, separating it from the scala vestibuli.

membrane of round window secondary tympanic membrane.

Scarpa's membrane tympanic membrane, secondary.

semipermeable membrane one permitting passage through it of some but not all substances.

serous membrane the membrane lining the walls of the body cavities and enclosing the contained organs; it consists of mesothelium lying upon a connective tissue layer and it secretes a watery fluid.

synovial membrane the inner of the two layers of the articular capsule of a synovial joint; composed of loose connective tissue and having a free smooth surface that lines the joint cavity.

tympanic membrane see tympanic membrane.

tympanic membrane, secondary the membrane enclosing the round window; called also Scarpa's membrane.

unit membrane the trilaminar structure of all cellular membranes (such as the plasma membrane, nuclear membranes, mitochondrial membranes, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes) as they appear in electron micrographs. The biochemical structure is a lipid bilayer.

virginal membrane hymen.

vitelline membrane the external envelope of an ovum.

vitreous membrane

1. Descemet's membrane.

2. hyaline membrane (def. 1).

3. Bruch's membrane.

4. a delicate boundary layer investing the vitreous body.

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membrane,

n a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface or divides a space or organ.

membrane, barrier,

n small pieces of meshlike material inserted between the gingival tissue flap and underlying bone, primarily during flap surgery. It is used to prevent grafted material from moving and to stop harmful cells from growing. It can be used alone or in combination with bone grafting.

membrane, basement,

n the delicate, PAS-positive, noncellular membrane on which the epithelium is seated.

membrane bone,

n See bone, membrane.

membrane, collagen,

n a bioabsorbable, semipermeable membrane made of collagen. It is hemostatic, chemotactic, and well tolerated by adjacent tissue.

(in´trmem´brnus),
n formed by differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts and bone matrix. See also bone, membrane and bone, membrane, formation.

membrane, mucous,

n See mucosa.

membrane, Nasmyth's,

n.pr See cuticle, primary.

membrane, occlusive,

n See membrane, barrier.

(ôr´ōfrin´jēl),
n a layer of tissue on the cephalic end of the embryo in the region where the oral cavity will later be formed. Previously called
buccopharyngeal membrane. See also oropharynx.

membrane, periodontal,

n See ligament, periodontal.

membrane, subimplant,

n the fibrous connective tissue that regenerates from the periosteum and that forms between the inner surface of the implant framework and the bone surface.

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membrane

a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ.

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alveolocapillary membrane

a thin tissue barrier through which gases are exchanged between the alveolar air and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

membrane-attack complex

complement components C5-C9 which form in terminal stage of either of the complement pathways and lead to cell lysis.

basilar membrane

the lower boundary of the scala media of the ear.

Bowman's membrane

a thin layer of basement membrane between the outer layer of stratified epithelium and the substantia propria of the cornea.

Bruch's membrane

the inner layer of the choroid, separating it from the pigmented layer of the retina.

membrane carrier

a mechanism in the cell membrane of epithelial cells in the intestinal mucosa which facilitates the rapid transport of for example glucose, into the cell and thus into the bloodstream.

cell membrane

plasma membrane (below).

membrane channels

see channel.

continuous membrane

the middle of the three membranes on the outside of the yolk of the hen egg.

cricothyroid membrane

the membrane connecting the thyroid cartilage to the cricoid cartilage. It is extensive in the horse and surgical incision through it allows access to the interior of the larynx.

Descemet's membrane

the posterior lining membrane of the cornea; it is a thin hyaline membrane between the substantia propria and the endothelial layer of the cornea.

drum membrane

tympanic membrane (below).

extraembryonic m's

those that protect the embryo or fetus and provide for its nutrition, respiration and excretion; the yolk sac (umbilical vesicle), allantois, amnion, chorion, decidua and placenta.

extravitelline membrane

the outermost of the three membranes on the outside of the yolk of the hen egg.

false membrane

a membrane similar to the pseudomembrane; fibrinous exudates readily loosened from underlying tissue, as in croupous or pseudomembranous inflammation.

fenestrated membrane

one of the perforated elastic sheets of the tunica intima and tunica media of arteries.

fetal m's

see fetal membranes. See also extraembryonic membranes (above).

fibrous membrane

the strong, fibrous support layer in a joint capsule.

Henle's membrane

see henle's membrane.

hyaline membrane

1. a membrane between the outer root sheath and inner fibrous layer of a hair follicle.

2. basement membrane.

3. a homogeneous eosinophilic membrane lining alveolar ducts and alveoli, frequently found at necropsy in premature human infants. See also hyaline membrane disease.

hyoglossal membrane

a fibrous lamina connecting the under-surface of the tongue with the hyoid bone.

interosseous membrane

the membrane connecting the shaft of the fibula to the tibia.

limiting membrane

one that constitutes the border of some tissue or structure.

mucous membrane

the membrane covered with epithelium that lines many tubular organs of the body.

nictitating membrane

see membrana nictitans.

nuclear membrane

1. either of the membranes, inner and outer, comprising the nuclear envelope.

2. nuclear envelope.

olfactory membrane

the olfactory portion of the mucous membrane lining the nasal fossa.

periodontal membrane

see periodontium.

perivitelline membrane

the innermost of the three layers on the outside of the yolk in the hen egg.

placental membrane

the membrane that separates the fetal from the maternal blood in the placenta.

plasma membrane

the membrane that encloses a cell; it is composed of phospholipids, glycolipids, cholesterol and proteins. The primary structure is a lipid bilayer. Phospholipid molecules have an electrically charged 'head' that attracts water and a hydrocarbon 'tail' that repels water; they line up side by side in two opposing layers, with their heads on the inner or outer surface of the membrane and their tails in the core, from which water is excluded. The other lipids affect the structural properties of the membrane. Proteins embedded in the membrane transport specific molecules across the membrane, act as hormone receptors, or perform other functions.

membrane potential

of a cell is the voltage difference across the cell membrane resulting from the differential concentrations of sodium and potassium on either side of the membrane. The resting potential, for example in a nerve cell, is altered by the temporary opening of the sodium channels in the membrane during an action potential, allowing a redistribution of the ions.

membrane proteins

the large number of proteins attached to a cell membrane. They include integral proteins, called also intrinsic, which are embedded in the phospholipid bi-layer of the cell membrane, and peripheral proteins, called also extrinsic, because they are loosely bound and can readily be extracted without damage to the cell membrane.

pupillary membrane

a vascular membrane which occupies the pupil in the embryo stage, completely covering the anterior surface of the lens but subsequently disappears. See also persistent pupillary membrane.

Reissner's membrane

the thin anterior wall of the cochlear duct, separating it from the scala vestibuli.

Scarpa's membrane

tympanic membrane, secondary.

semipermeable membrane

one permitting passage through it of some but not all substances.

serosal membrane

see serous membrane (below).

serous membrane

the membrane lining the walls of the body cavities and enclosing the contained organs; it consists of mesothelium lying upon a connective tissue layer and it secretes a watery fluid.

shell membrane

the membrane on the outside of the soft contents of the hen egg and just inside the shell. It consists of two membranes close together, with an air cell in between.

synovial membrane

see synovial membrane.

membrane transport

transport of electrolytes across semipermeable membranes with the aid of a transporter.

unit membrane

the trilaminar structure of all cellular membranes (such as the plasma membrane, nuclear membranes, mitochondrial membranes, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes) as they appear in electron micrographs. The biochemical structure is a lipid bilayer.

wing membrane

the membrane comprising the wing of the bat.

yolk membrane

the membrane investing the yolk of the hen egg; it includes (from the inside out) the perivitelline, the continuous and the extravitelline membranes.

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membrane

A thin layer of tissue which covers a surface, separates cellular structures or organs, or connects adjacent structures.
basement membrane of the corneal epithelium A very thin non-cellular layer adjacent to Bowman's layer and upon which the columnar basal cells of the corneal epithelium are bound by hemidesmosomes.
Bowman's membrane See Bowman's layer.
Bruch's membrane Thin (about 1.5 μm), shiny, non-vascular layer of the choroid located on the inner side next to the retinal pigment epithelium. It consists of two contiguous layers; the inner one called the lamina vitrea (or basement membrane of the pigment epithelium) and the outer one called the lamina elastica. See angioid streaks.
Descemet's membrane  Strong, resistant, thin (about 8 μm) layer of the cornea located between the endothelium (from which it is secreted) and the stroma. It is practically the last corneal structure to succumb to disease processes and it can regenerate after injury. Syn. lamina elastica posterior; posterior limiting layer. See descemetocele; Kayser- Fleischer ring.
Elschnig's inner limiting membrane A thin layer of astrocytes covering the optic disc. It is in continuity with the inner limiting membrane of the retina. In some cases this layer is thickened in the central part of the disc to form the central meniscus of Kuhnt. It is transparent and not usually visible with the ophthalmoscope.
hyaloid membrane This is not really a membrane, but a concentration of cells and fibres enclosing the vitreous body.
intermuscular membrane A thin, elastic membrane originating from the muscle sheath of each rectus muscle and connecting it to the neighbouring rectus muscle. The membrane fuses with the capsule of each muscle, as well as with Tenon's capsule.
nictitating membrane A fold of the conjunctival mucous membrane that can be drawn over part or all of the cornea in a winking-like action to clean and lubricate the cornea. It is present in many birds, reptiles, fishes and some mammals and is normally hidden in the inner canthus. Syn. third eyelid. See plica semilunaris.
membrane of the retina, external limiting This layer has the form of a wire netting through which pass the processes of the rods and cones of the retina. It is located between the latter and the outer nuclear layer. It is believed to be formed by the fibres of Mueller. See Mueller's cell.
membrane of the retina, internal limiting Glass-like membrane lying between the retina and the vitreous body and forming a boundary for both. For that reason it has sometimes also been considered to be the hyaloid membrane of the vitreous. The feet of the fibres of Mueller are attached to this membrane but do not form it. Syn. internal limiting layer of the retina. See Mueller's cell.
preretinal membrane See preretinal macular fibrosis.
pupillary membrane Embryonic mesodermal tissue which is present in the centre of the iris and normally disappears by the eighth fetal month to form the pupil. Some strands of the membrane may remain in adults; this is referred to as a persistent pupillary membrane.

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membrane

A very thin layer of tissue covering a surface, lining a body cavity, or dividing a space or organ

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Patient discussion about membrane.

Q. For those that had an epimacular membrane removed, how long was it before your eye healed? How was your vision afterwards? Do you now require or benefit from glasses?

A. Epimacular membrane removal can be associated with a variety of ocular conditions and therefore the healing process varies tremendously depending on the underlying pathology. Furthermore, this condition may recur.

Q. HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE in pre-mature infants;what are the causes of it in pregnant women?

A. the cause of Hyaline Membrane disease is pre-mature birth. while the fetus develop, about in the 29th week a substance called surfactant is created in the lungs. this substance's function is to change the surface tension of the fluid in the lungs- therefore decreasing it's force. the surface tension tends to shrink the lungs and can cause the lungs to collapse. so a premature baby wouldn't be able to breath properly.