Anatomy

Serous Membrane

A thin lining of closed cavities of the body, consisting of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells (MESOTHELIUM) resting on a thin layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and covered with secreted clear fluid from blood and lymph vessels. Major serous membranes in the body include PERICARDIUM; PERITONEUM; and PLEURA.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A thin lining of closed cavities of the body, consisting of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells (MESOTHELIUM) resting on a thin layer of CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and covered with secreted clear fluid from blood and lymph vessels. Major serous membranes in the body include PERICARDIUM; PERITONEUM; and PLEURA.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

4 entry terms
  • Serosa
  • Serous Membranes
  • Membrane, Serous
  • Membranes, Serous

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

general: prefer specific membrane; inflammation = SEROSITIS

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A10w.615w.789w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Serous Membrane. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012704. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012704
  2. Serous Membrane. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serous_membrane
  3. Serous Membrane. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1364005