séreuse

Séreuse is a term used in biology and medicine to describe membranes or tissues that secrete a serous fluid. Serous fluid is a thin, watery fluid, similar to serum, that lubricates and protects various organs and cavities within the body. These membranes, also known as serous membranes or serosa, are typically composed of a layer of mesothelium, a type of epithelial cell, resting on a thin layer of connective tissue.

The primary function of serous membranes is to reduce friction between organs and body walls, and between organs themselves. They achieve this by secreting serous fluid, which acts as a lubricant. This fluid is typically clear and straw-colored. Examples of serous membranes include the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs; the pleura, which surrounds the lungs; and the pericardium, which encloses the heart. Inflammation of these membranes is often referred to as "-itis," for example, peritonitis, pleuritis, or pericarditis. The composition and volume of serous fluid can be affected by various physiological and pathological conditions.