'Serous membranes' definitions:
Definition of 'Serous membranes'
From: GCIDE
- 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]