Membranophones

Membranophones have a tightly stretched membrane across their body which vibrates when struck.  The snare drum and tympani are examples of Western membranophones. 

The word “membrane” means “a thin filmlike structure”.  In biology, a membrane separates two fluids.   When studying the nature of cells, we learn that the membrane serves as a type of “fence,” keeping certain things out of the cell.  Picture a chain link fence with VERY tiny openings!  Things that are too large can’t fit through the openings.