Final answer:
The statement is true; the conjunctiva does rest on a basement membrane which provides strength, flexibility, and permeability.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false. The conjunctiva rests on a basement membrane. The statement is true. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is supported by an underlying basement membrane, which plays an integral role in attaching the conjunctiva to the connective tissue and maintaining the structural integrity of the conjunctival cells. This basement membrane provides important functional benefits as it offers strength while maintaining flexibility, and is permeable to enable the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the conjunctiva and the surrounding tissues.