6. Name the three serous membranes of the body and describe their general structure.
three serous membranes of the body
Pleura, pericardium, peritoneum
Falciform ligament (of the Peritoneum):
attaches liver to anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm
Visceral layer (of the Pericardium):
attaches to heart, Called epicardium when combined with areolar or adipose CT
Visceral peritoneum (of the Peritoneum):
attaches to organs in cavity
Mesentery (of the Peritoneum):
binds jejunum and ileum to posterior wall
Mesocolon (of the Peritoneum):
binds transverse colon and sigmoid colon to posterior abdominal wall
Lesser omentum (of the Peritoneum):
connects stomach & duodenum from liver
Pericardial cavity (of the Pericardium):
contains pericardial fluid; between visceral and parietal serous pericardium
Serous pericardium (of the Pericardium):
deeper, forms double layer around heart
Peritoneal cavity (of the Peritoneum):
filled with serous fluid
Parietal layer (of the Pericardium):
fused to fibrous pericardium
Visceral Pleura (of the Pleura):
inner membrane attached to lungs
(Important) Peritoneum:
lines abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs Largest serous membrane in body
Parietal peritoneum (of the Peritoneum):
lines wall of abdominal cavity
Parietal Pleura (of the Pleura):
outer membrane lining thoracic cavity
Pericardial fluid (of the Pericardium):
reduces friction between layers
Pericardium:
serous membrane lining pericardial cavity and covering heart
Pleura:
serous membrane lining thoracic cavity and covering lungs
Greater omentum (of the Peritoneum):
simple squamous + adipose CT that drape over transverse colon and small intestine
Pleural Cavity (of the Pleura):
space filled with serous fluid
Fibrous pericardium (of the Pericardium):
superficial, irregular CT, Prevents overstretching of heart, provides protection, anchors heart to mediastinum