1
Q
Splanchnology
A
- Many of the organs of the various organ systems lie within the body cavities –> thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic
- the Various organs are surrounded by “potential spaces”–> allow free movement of the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs to occur.
- These potential spaces include:
- Pericardial cavity: around the heart
- Pleural Cavity: around the lungs
- Peritoneal cavity: around the abdomino-pelvic organs
2
Q
Serous Membrane
A
- A potential cavity is surrounded by a serous membrane - pericardium, pleura or peritoneum
- These consist of:
- an outer layer related to body wall structures, the parietal layer
- an inner layer which invests the appropriate organ(s), the visceral layer
- Between the two lies the potential space, which contains only a lubricating film of thin watery, serous fluid produced by the serous membrane
- A serous membrane must be the distinguished from a mucous membrane. This is the innermost layer of the various tubular organs and produces a film of thick viscous or mucous secretion on its surface for lubricating purposes
3
Q
A
