A darkly stained mat-like EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) that separates cell layers, such as EPITHELIUM from ENDOTHELIUM or a layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE. The ECM layer that supports an overlying EPITHELIUM or ENDOTHELIUM is called basal lamina. Basement membrane (BM) can be formed by the fusion of either two adjacent basal laminae or a basal lamina with an adjacent reticular lamina of connective tissue. BM, composed mainly of TYPE IV COLLAGEN; glycoprotein LAMININ; and PROTEOGLYCAN, provides barriers as well as channels between interacting cell layers.

Descriptor ID	D001485
MeSH Number(s)	A10.272.220 A10.615.179
Concept/Terms	Basement Membrane Basement Membrane Basement Membranes Membrane, Basement Membranes, Basement Basal Lamina Basal Lamina Basal Laminas Lamina, Basal Laminas, Basal Basement Lamina Basement Laminas Lamina, Basement Laminas, Basement

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more general than "Basement Membrane".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is related to "Basement Membrane".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more specific than "Basement Membrane".