chapter 8 - body cavities & membranes

membranes

very simple organs, composed of two or more tissues, that form continuous multi-cellular sheets

types of membranes

1. mucous — mucosa

2. serous — serosa

3. cutaneous — skin

mucous membranes

membranes that line cavities that open to the outside of the body, with epithelial and connective tissues (lamina propia) present

goblet cells

unicellular derivatives in between the epithelial layer that secrete mucous to protect a surface against drying and trap debris

serous membranes

membranes that line cavities that do not open to the outside of the body, with epithelial and connective tissues present

layers of serous membranes

1. visceral — cover organs

2. parietal — against the wall of thoracic and abdominal cavities

serous fluid

fluid in between the visceral and parietal layers of serous membranes, for shock absorption and lubrication

pleura

a serous membrane that surrounds the lungs

• visceral layer → lung surface

• parietal layer → thoracic cavity wall

pericardium

a serous membrane that surrounds the heart

• visceral layer → heart surface

• parietal layer → mediastinum

peritoneum

a serous membrane that sounds the abdominal cavity and viscera

• visceral layer → viscera

• parietal layer → abdominal cavity