Body Cavities and Serous Membranes - Anatomy and Physiology
- Which serous membrane surrounds each lung, and what are its two layers?
- The pleura: parietal pleura lines the thoracic wall and visceral pleura covers the lung surface.
- Into which two cavities is the ventral body cavity divided, and what separates them?
- The thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, separated by the diaphragm.
- What does retroperitoneal mean, and which paired organs are the classic example?
- Lying behind the parietal peritoneum rather than suspended within it. The kidneys are the classic example.
- What is a mesentery?
- A double layer of peritoneum that suspends the intestines from the posterior abdominal wall and carries vessels and nerves.
- What is the term for inflammation of the serous membrane around the lungs?
- Pleurisy (pleuritis). Inflamed pleural layers rub together and cause sharp pain with breathing.
- What tissues make up a serous membrane?
- Simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) resting on a thin layer of areolar connective tissue.
- Into which two cavities is the dorsal body cavity divided?
- The cranial cavity (holding the brain) and the vertebral cavity (holding the spinal cord).
- Which serous membrane lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers many of its organs?
- The peritoneum (parietal and visceral layers).
- What is another name for the visceral layer of the serous pericardium?
- The epicardium, which covers the outer surface of the heart.
- Fluid builds up in the pericardial cavity and compresses the heart, limiting its filling. What is this condition called?
- Cardiac tamponade. The fibrous pericardium cannot stretch quickly, so pressure rises and filling falls.
- What is the main function of serous fluid?
- It lubricates the space between parietal and visceral layers, reducing friction as organs move.
- What is the mediastinum?
- The central region of the thoracic cavity between the two pleural cavities, holding the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and thymus.