**Yes, it is true that simple epithelium rests on the basement membrane, and below it is connective tissue.** This arrangement is commonly found in various organs and tissues throughout the body, serving to provide structural support and facilitate important physiological functions.

**Blood vessels and arteries** are examples of tissues where this arrangement is observed. The wall of blood vessels consists of three main layers: the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa. The tunica intima is the innermost layer, in contact with the blood flow, and is composed of a simple squamous epithelium called endothelium. This endothelial layer rests on a basement membrane, which separates it from the underlying connective tissue.

**Smooth muscle layer** is present in the tunica media, which is the middle layer of blood vessels. This layer consists of smooth muscle cells arranged circumferentially around the vessel. The smooth muscle layer provides contractility, allowing for regulation of blood flow and maintaining blood pressure. It is important to note that the smooth muscle layer is located between the basement membrane and the connective tissue.

**The arrangement of layers in blood vessels can be summarized as follows**:

1. Tunica intima: The innermost layer composed of simple squamous epithelium (endothelium) resting on the basement membrane.
2. Basement membrane: A thin layer of extracellular matrix that separates the endothelium from the underlying connective tissue.
3. Tunica media: The middle layer consisting of smooth muscle cells arranged circumferentially around the vessel. This layer provides contractility and regulates blood flow.
4. Tunica externa: The outermost layer composed of connective tissue, providing structural support and anchoring the blood vessel in place.

In conclusion, blood vessels and arteries have a similar arrangement where a simple epithelium (endothelium) rests on a basement membrane, which is then followed by a smooth muscle layer (tunica media) before reaching the connective tissue layer (tunica externa). This organization allows for the proper functioning and regulation of blood flow within the vessels.