mesothelium

(noun)

A membrane of flat cells that lines the body cavity of embryos and forms the squamous cells of the peritoneum, pericardium, and pleura

Related Terms

Examples of mesothelium in the following topics:

  • Body Cavity Membranes

    • The mesothelium is a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities: the pleura (thoracic cavity), peritoneum (abdominal cavity including the mesentery) and pericardium (heart sac).
    • Mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called visceral mesothelium, while the layer that covers the body walls is called the parietal mesothelium.
    • The mesothelium is composed of an extensive monolayer of specialized cells (mesothelial cells) that line the body's serous cavities and internal organs.
    • The main purpose of these cells is to produce a lubricating fluid that is released between layers, providing a slippery, non-adhesive, and protective surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement.The mesothelium is also involved in the transport and movement of fluid and particulate matter across the serosal cavities, leukocyte migration in response to inflammatory mediators, synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins to aid in serosal repair, and the release of factors to promote the disposition and clearance of fibrin (such as plasminogen).
    • It is composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thin layer of connective tissue.

  • Body Cavities

    • The thoracic cavity is lined by two types of mesothelium, a type of membrane tissue that lines the ventral cavity: the pleura lining of the lungs, and the pericadium lining of the heart.
    • The abdominopelvic cavity is lined by a type of mesothelium called the peritoneum.

  • Serosa

    • The epithelial layer, known as mesothelium, consists of a single layer of avascular flat nucleated cells (simple squamous epithelium) which produce the lubricating serous fluid.

  • Anatomy of the Heart

    • The heart is enclosed in a double-walled protective membrane called the pericardium, which is a mesothelium tissue of the thoracic cavity.

  • Pericardium

    • The pericardium is one of the mesothelium tissues of the thoracic cavity, along with the pleura which cover the lungs.

  • Serous Membranes

    • The epithelial layer, known as mesothelium, consists of a single layer of avascular flat nucleated cells (simple squamous epithelium) which produce the lubricating serous fluid.

  • Lungs

    • The outer layer of the lungs are the pleura, a type of mesothelium (membrane tissue) that surrounds the lung and attaches it to the thoracic cavity.