External lamina

External Lamina

The External Lamina (pronounced: ex-ter-nal la-mi-na) is a term used in anatomy and histology to describe a layer of extracellular matrix that surrounds cells, particularly in muscle tissue.

Etymology

The term 'External Lamina' is derived from Latin, where 'externus' means 'outside' and 'lamina' means 'thin plate'. This refers to the layer's position and structure.

Definition

The External Lamina is a specialized form of basement membrane that surrounds individual muscle fibers, separating them from the surrounding connective tissue. It is composed of various proteins, including collagen and laminin, which provide structural support and play a role in cell signaling.

Function

The primary function of the External Lamina is to provide structural support to the muscle fiber and to facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the muscle fiber and the surrounding tissue. It also plays a role in the repair and regeneration of muscle tissue following injury.

Related Terms

Basement Membrane: A thin, fibrous, extracellular matrix of tissue that separates the lining of an internal or external body surface from underlying connective tissue.
Collagen: The most abundant protein in the animal kingdom, providing structural support to various tissues.
Laminin: A family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding in almost every tissue of an organism.
Muscle Fiber: A single muscle cell, which is typically elongated and multinucleated.