basement membrane

noun

: a thin membranous layer of connective tissue that separates a layer of epithelial cells from the underlying lamina propia

Examples of basement membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company recently completed patient enrollment for a global Phase 3 trial in anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease, a rare condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys and the lungs. Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Human tissue distribution of novel basement membrane collagen Molecules. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024 The body reacts to a component of skin called the basement membrane. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basement membrane was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basement membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basement%20membrane. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

basement membrane

noun
base·​ment membrane ˌbā-smənt- How to pronounce basement membrane (audio)
1
: a thin extracellular supporting layer that separates a layer of epithelial cells from the underlying lamina propria and is composed of the basal lamina and reticular lamina
2

More from Merriam-Webster on basement membrane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!