Final answer:
The basement membrane is the noncellular layer that adheres epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue, consisting of the basal lamina and reticular lamina.
Step-by-step explanation:
The noncellular layer that adheres epithelial tissue to lower layers is known as the basement membrane. The basement membrane consists of two layers: the basal lamina, which is a mixture of glycoproteins and collagen that provides an attachment site for the epithelium, and the reticular lamina, which is secreted by the underlying connective tissue. Together, they form a strong and supportive layer that anchors the epithelium to the connective tissue beneath. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and in filtering substances between the epithelium and the underlying tissues.