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...

Lights' Effect on Growth
Lights’ Effect on Growth

This tutorial elaborates on the effect of light on plant growth. It describes how different plants require different amo..

mRNA
Protein Synthesis

Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. mRNA, a type of RNA, is produced as a transcri..

Genetic engineering
Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages

This tutorial presents the benefits and the possible adverse eventualities of genetic engineering. Know more about this ..

Sensory systems
Sensory Systems

A sensory system is a part of the nervous system consisting of sensory receptors that receive stimuli from the internal ..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

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

sponge
Primitive Animals

Life, as we know it today, is presumed to have started in the sea and many of them were likely eukaryotic animal-like or..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics