Explain membranes. Include the definition and name the four types and which tissues each type contains. Solution Answer : Membranes are the flat sheets of pliable tissue that cover or line a part of the body. The combination of an epithelial layer and an underlying connective tissue layer constitutes an epithelial membranes. These includes, Mucous membranes : These membranes lines the body cavity that opens directlyto the exterior. Mucous membranes lines the entire digestive, respiratory and reproductive tracts and much of the urinary tract. Serous Membranes : A serous membrane or Serosa lines a body cavity that does not open directly to the exterior and it covers the organs that lie within the cavity.serous membranes consist of areolar connective tissue covered by mesothelium and also consists of two layers such as Parietal and visceral layer. Cutaneous Membrane : These membarnes covers the surface of the body and consists of a superficial portion called the epidermis and a deeper portion called the dermis. Synovial Membranes : Like serous membranes, synovial membranes line structures that do not open to the exterior. They lack in epithelium and are composed of discontinuous layer of cells called synoviocytes, which secretes synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates and nourishes the cartilage covering the bones at movable joints and contains macrophages that moves microbes and debris from the joint cavity..