Smooth, transparent membrane, containing fibrous connective tissue, that lines many large cavities of the body (e.g., the pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity, and pericardial cavity). Serous membranes usually consist of two layers: a visceral layer covering the organs and a parietal layer lining the cavity walls. Between the two layers is a small space filled with serous fluid, derived from blood serum, that moistens the structures and allows frictionless movement.
A smooth transparent membrane, consisting of mesothelium and underlying elastic fibrous connective tissue, lining certain large cavities of the body. The peritoneum of the abdomen, pleura of the chest, and pericardium of the heart are all serous membranes. Each consists of two portions: the parietal portion lines the walls of the cavity, and the visceral portion covers the organs concerned. The two are continuous, forming a closed sac with the organs essentially outside the sac. The inner surface of the sac is moistened by a thin fluid derived from blood serum, which allows frictionless movement of organs within their cavities.
These are smooth, transparent membranes that line certain large cavities of the body. The chief serous membranes are the peritoneum, lining the cavity of the abdomen; the pleurae, one of which lines each side of the chest, surrounding the corresponding lung;. the pericardium, in which the heart lies; and the tunica vaginalis on each side, enclosing a testicle.
A membrane consisting of mesothelium lying on a thin layer of connective tissue that lines the closed cavities (peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial) of the body and is reflected over the organs in the cavity. Serous fluid similar to lymph, decreases friction between the two layers.