Dictionary > Basal lamina

Basal lamina

Definition
noun
(histology) A layer of extracellular matrix found on the basal surface of epithelial cells, and which is secreted by the epithelial cells.
(embryology) The ventral plate of the embryonic neural tube that gives rise to somatic and visceral motor neurons.
Supplement
In histology, basal lamina is composed of electron-dense layer called lamina densa (composed of type IV collagen) and electron-lucid layers called lamina lucida (made up of laminin, integrins, entactins, and dystroglycans) together make up the basal lamina.
The term “basal lamina” is usually used with electron microscopy, while the term “basement membrane” is usually used with light microscopy. That is because basal lamina is readily visible as distinct structure with the electron microscope, and not with a light microscope. In strict sense, basal lamina is different from basement membrane based on their components. The basal lamina is composed of lamina densa and lamina lucida whereas the basement membrane is composed of lamina densa and lamina reticularis; hence, the basement membrane includes only a portion of basal lamina, and including a layer not found in basal lamina.
Derived terms:

  • basal lamina of choroid
  • basal lamina of ciliary body
  • basal lamina of cochlear
  • basal lamina of neural tube
  • basal lamina of saemicircular duct
  • junctional basal lamina

Synonym: ventral plate of neural tube (embryology).

Compare: basement membrane.


You will also like...

squirrel
Animal Water Regulation

Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

Plant Water Regulation
Plant Water Regulation

Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

Water Cycle
The Water Cycle

The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation Tutorial

Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Early Earth
The Origins of Life

This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics