Serous Membranes Flashcards
What are the serous membranes that line the ventral body cavities?
The pleura and pericardium in the thoracic cavity, and the peritoneum in the abdominopelvic cavity.
These membranes are folded back on themselves to form two layered sacs.
What is the outer layer of the serous membranes called?
Parietal layer
It lines the wall of the body cavity.
What is the inner layer of the serous membranes called?
Visceral layer
It encases the viscera.
What is the position called for abdominal organs that lie outside the peritoneum?
Retroperitoneal
The two kidneys and the pancreas are examples of retroperitoneal organs.
What reduces friction generated by organ movement in the body?
The small amount of serous fluid between the visceral and parietal layers.
This slippery fluid reduces friction.
What is the function of the mesentery?
It suspends and attaches organs to the body wall.
Mesentery consists of folds of peritoneum.
