Reinforcing the Membrane (IMAGE) University of Iowa Caption Just as the piece of pink tape prevents a pin from bursting this balloon, the sturdy basal lamina reinforces muscle cell membranes and keeps small tears from bursting open -- but only if the protein "glue" affixing the basal lamina to the membrane is working. Credit Renzhi Han, University of Iowa Usage Restrictions Please credit the University of Iowa License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.