serous membrane

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. any of various thin membranes, as the peritoneum, that line certain cavities of the body and exude a serous fluid.

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serous membrane British  

noun

1. any of the smooth moist delicate membranes, such as the pleura or peritoneum, that line the closed cavities of the body and secrete a watery exudate

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Etymology

Origin of serous membrane

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

serous membrane

A serous membrane is an epithelial membrane composed of mesodermally derived epithelium called the mesothelium that is supported by connective tissue.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

The outer tunica vaginalis is a serous membrane that has both a parietal and a thin visceral layer.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

A fourth, the peritoneum, is the serous membrane in the abdominal cavity that covers abdominal organs and forms double sheets of mesenteries that suspend many of the digestive organs.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

The most superficial layer is the serous membrane, or perimetrium, which consists of epithelial tissue that covers the exterior portion of the uterus.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

It formed a distinct layer on the surface of the serous membrane, resembling ink or blacking, and could with difficulty be removed.

From An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis or Ulceration Induced by Carbonaceous Accumulation in the Lungs of Coal Miners by Archibald Makellar