SEROUS MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
-
A serous membrane, also known as serosa, is a type of thin, double-layered epithelial tissue that lines various body cavities and covers the organs within those cavities. It is primarily composed of two layers - the parietal layer and the visceral layer, with a fluid-filled space known as the serous cavity in between. Serous membranes are classified based on their location within the body, such as pleura in the thoracic cavity, peritoneum in the abdominal cavity, and pericardium in the heart cavity.
The main purpose of serous membranes is to provide a protective covering for the organs and cavities, reducing friction between them and allowing them to move and function smoothly. The parietal layer lines the outer walls of the body cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds and adheres to the surface of the organs within that cavity. The serous cavity contains a thin layer of serous fluid, secreted by the cells of the membrane, which lubricates the surfaces and helps to minimize friction during movements.
Serous membranes play a crucial role in various bodily functions, such as maintaining the integrity of the organs and preventing them from adhering to one another, enabling smooth movements, providing a barrier against infection, and aiding in the transport of substances. They are highly innervated and vascularized, allowing for exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the organs and the surrounding tissues.
Overall, serous membranes are vital components of the body's anatomical structure and function, ensuring the proper functioning and protection of the organs within the body cavities.
-
• Serosa, see under serous.
• Serosa, one of the smooth membranes lining the closed cavities of the body (the pleura, the peritoneum, etc.), and forming the inner coat of a blood-vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
In anat., a closed membranous bag having its internal surface moistened with serum, and lining some cavity of the body which has no outlet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEROUS MEMBRANE
- aerous membrane
- zerous membrane
- xerous membrane
- derous membrane
- eerous membrane
- werous membrane
- swrous membrane
- ssrous membrane
- sdrous membrane
- srrous membrane
- s4rous membrane
- s3rous membrane
- seeous membrane
- sedous membrane
- sefous membrane
- setous membrane
- se5ous membrane
- se4ous membrane
- serius membrane
Etymology of SEROUS MEMBRANE
The word "serous" comes from the Latin word "serosus", which means "watery" or "serum-like". The word "membrane" has Latin roots as well, derived from the word "membrana", meaning "thin skin" or "parchment". When combined, "serous membrane" refers to a thin, watery-like layer of tissue that lines certain cavities in the body.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
