serous membranes

1 definition found

serous membranes - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Membrane \Mem"brane\, n. [F., fr. L. membrana the skin that
     covers the separate members of the body, fr. L. membrum. See
     Member.] (Anat.)
     A thin layer or fold of tissue, usually supported by a
     fibrous network, serving to cover or line some part or organ,
     and often secreting or absorbing certain fluids.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The term is also often applied to the thin, expanded
           parts, of various texture, both in animals and
           vegetables.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Adventitious membrane, a membrane connecting parts not
        usually connected, or of a different texture from the
        ordinary connection; as, the membrane of a cicatrix.
  
     Jacob's membrane. See under Retina.
  
     Mucous membranes (Anat.), the membranes lining passages and
        cavities which communicate with the exterior, as well as
        ducts and receptacles of secretion, and habitually
        secreting mucus.
  
     Schneiderian membrane. (Anat.) See Schneiderian.
  
     Serous membranes (Anat.), the membranes, like the
        peritoneum and pleura, which line, or lie in, cavities
        having no obvious outlet, and secrete a serous fluid.
        [1913 Webster]