Basement Membranes are a specialized layer most epithelia possess for attachment to underlying connective tissues. The basement membrane consists of two parts:

Basal lamina	a glycoprotein product of the epithelial cells.
Reticular lamina	a thin layer of fine protein fibers, products of the underlying connective tissue cells

Remember:  The apical surface of epithelial cells usually faces a cavity or space continous with an external or internal environment.  The basal surface rests on the basement membrane.  These features may or may not be visible depending on how tissues are cut in the section.

Now, take a look at an epithelium from two views!

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