10) The Serious Membranes

The outer surfaces of the organs that the walls of the ventral body cavity contains, are covered by a thin double-layered membrane called the serosa membrane or serous membrane. The part of the membrane lining the cavity walls is called the parietal serosa. The parietal serosa folds in on itself to form the visceral serosa, covering the organs in the cavity. In the body, the serous membranes are separated by a thin layer of lubricating fluid, called the serous fluid, which is secreted by both membranes. The serous fluid allows the organs to slide without friction across the cavity walls and one another as they carry out their routine functions. This freedom of movement is important for mobile organs such as the pumping heart and the churning stomach. The serous membranes are named for the specific cavity and organs they are associated with. There is a diagram of the serous membranes that cover the pericardial cavity and heart muscles at the bottom. This is just an example.