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