Chapter 1-3: Visceral and Connective Membranes and Meninges

A set of practice flashcards covering membranes (epithelial and connective), the serous/mucous types, pleural/peritoneal/pericardial specifics, parietal/visceral relationships, synovial membranes and synovitis, and meninges with meningitis.

What are the two major classifications of membranes?

Epithelial membranes and connective membranes.

Into which two types can epithelial membranes be divided?

Mucous membranes and serous membranes.

Which systems contain mucous membranes?

Digestive tract, respiratory passages, and genitourinary tract.

Name the three types of serous membranes.

Pleural membranes, pericardial membranes, and peritoneal membranes.

Which serous membrane lines the pleural cavity and which covers the lungs?

Parietal pleural lines the inside of the rib cage; visceral pleural covers the outside of the lungs.

What fluid do pleural membranes produce and what is its purpose?

Pleural fluid; to lubricate the expansion and contraction of the lungs and create a pleural cavity.

What is pleuritis?

Inflammation of the pleura.

What does the peritoneal membrane line and what do the peritoneal membranes surround?

It lines the abdominal cavity; the peritoneal cavity surrounds the stomach and intestines.

What is peritonitis?

Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity.

What is the pericardial membrane and what does it produce?

The membrane encasing the heart; it produces a small amount of pericardial fluid to reduce friction.

What is pericarditis?

Inflammation of the pericardial membranes.

What do parietal and visceral membranes mean?

Parietal relates to the walls of a cavity; visceral relates to an organ.

What is the general rule about parietal and visceral membranes?

Parietal membranes line cavities; visceral membranes surround the organs within those cavities.

What are the two types of connective membranes?

Synovial membranes and meninges.

Where do synovial membranes line and what do they contain?

Line the cavities of joints that move freely (shoulders, elbows, knees, fingers) and contain synovial fluid.

What is synovitis?

Inflammation of the synovial membrane; swelling of joints due to excess fluid production.

In which conditions is synovitis commonly observed?

Arthritis, lupus, or gout.

What are meninges and what do they do?

They are coverings of the brain and spinal cord; they protect these structures and secrete cerebrospinal fluid.

What is meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges; a potentially life-threatening illness.

In which cavity are the meninges located?

The dorsal cavity (around the brain and spinal cord).