serous membrane

American

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

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

serous membrane British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of serous membrane

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The mesothelium is a simple squamous epithelium that forms the surface layer of the serous membrane that lines body cavities and internal organs.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

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 pericardial sac consists of two fused layers: an outer fibrous capsule and an inner parietal pericardium lined with a serous membrane.

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

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the serous membrane lining the chest cavity and enveloping the lungs.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023