serous membrane; serosa

Introduction

The outermost coat or serous layer of a visceral structure that lies in the body cavities of the abdomen or thorax. It consists of a surface layer of mesothelium reinforced by irregular fibroelastic connective tissue.

More general terms

• membrane
• epithelium

More specific terms

• pericardium
• peritoneum
• pleura

Additional terms

• serosal neoplasm