'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]

Words containing 'Serous membranes'