# An acellular, condensed layer that forms a barrier between the epithelium and connective tissues is called:
A. Basement membrane
B. Gap junctions
C. Desmosomes
D. Luminal surface
The correct answer is A. Basement membrane.
An acellular, condensed layer that forms a barrier between the epithelium and connective tissues is called basement membrane (lamina). Luminal surface is the surface of the lumen and may contain specialized structures such as cilia, microvilli, or sterocilia. Desmosomes (macula densa) are small, circular patches deep in the zonula adherens. Gap junctions are small pores found between adjacent cells that allow the passage of small molecules.