Question
The ventral portion of the body is divided by the diaphragm. Above the diaphragm is the thoracic
cavity and below the diaphragm is the abdominopelvic cavity. The major organs located inside the
thoracic cavity are the lungs, aorta, vena cava, heart, and thymus gland. This cavity is protected by
the bony coverings of the ribs and the sternum. The abdominopelvic cavity is the largest cavity and
has the greatest number of organs compared to the other cavities.
On both sides of the diaphragm is a membrane. The membrane has different names depending on
the side you examine. The area above the diaphragm is a pleural membrane due to its association
with the respiratory system. The pleural membrane is a type of serous membrane. Use your
textbook to define a serous membrane.
cavity and below the diaphragm is the abdominopelvic cavity. The major organs located inside the
thoracic cavity are the lungs, aorta, vena cava, heart, and thymus gland. This cavity is protected by
the bony coverings of the ribs and the sternum. The abdominopelvic cavity is the largest cavity and
has the greatest number of organs compared to the other cavities.
On both sides of the diaphragm is a membrane. The membrane has different names depending on
the side you examine. The area above the diaphragm is a pleural membrane due to its association
with the respiratory system. The pleural membrane is a type of serous membrane. Use your
textbook to define a serous membrane.
Ask by Reese Gordon. in the United States
Jan 22,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
A serous membrane is a smooth, slippery layer that lines body cavities and covers internal organs. It has two parts: the outer layer that lines the cavity walls and the inner layer that covers the organs. Between them is a small amount of fluid that helps reduce friction, allowing organs to move smoothly. Examples include the pleura around the lungs and the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity.
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Mind Expander
The serous membrane is a thin layer of tissue that produces a lubricating fluid known as serous fluid. This fluid creates a frictionless environment between organs and the walls of body cavities, allowing for smooth movements, such as the expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing. Serous membranes are found lining various cavities in the body, including the thoracic cavity (pleura) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
In real-world applications, understanding serous membranes is crucial in medical fields such as surgery and pathology. For instance, when operating on organs, surgeons must be aware of the presence of these membranes to avoid complications, such as adhesions, which can occur when the membranes heal improperly. Additionally, conditions like pleurisy involve inflammation of the pleural membrane, leading to pain and difficulty in breathing—highlighting the practical importance of this knowledge!
