mesothelium

American  

[mez-uh-thee-lee-uhm, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] / ˌmɛz əˈθi li əm, ˌmɛs-, ˌmi zə-, -sə- /

noun

Anatomy, Embryology.

mesothelia plural

1. epithelium of mesodermal origin, which lines the body cavities.

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mesothelium British  

/ ˌmɛsəʊˈθiːlɪəm /

noun

1. epithelium, derived from embryonic mesoderm lining body cavities

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mesothelium Scientific  

/ mĕz′ə-thē′lē-əm /

mesothelia plural

1. A layer of flattened epithelial cells that lines the membranes of closed body cavities, including the pericardium, pleurae, and peritoneum.

2. Compare endothelium

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• mesothelial
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• mesothelia
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mesothelium

First recorded in 1885–90; meso- + (epi)thelium

Compare meaning

How does mesothelium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endothelium vs. mesothelium

Example Sentences

Mesothelial cells are squamous epithelial cells that secrete a fluid that lubricates the mesothelium.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Serous fluid secreted by the cells of the thin squamous mesothelium lubricates the membrane and reduces abrasion and friction between organs.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

This mesothelium secretes the lubricating serous fluid that fills the pericardial cavity and reduces friction as the heart contracts.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

They are essentially membranous bags, with mesothelium lining the inside and connective tissue on the outside.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

These cells develop from that portion of the mesoderm known as the mesothelium, and are therefore frequently termed mesothelial, though by many they are also included as endothelial cells.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various