serózus

Serózus is the Portuguese term corresponding to the English adjective serous. It is used in medicine, anatomy, and histology to describe structures or secretions that resemble serum or are associated with serous membranes. The word derives from Latin serosus, meaning serum-like.

Serous membranes, or serosae, line certain closed body cavities and cover the organs within them. They consist of a mesothelial cell layer supported by connective tissue and secrete a lubricating serous fluid. This fluid reduces friction between moving surfaces, such as the lungs and chest wall, or the abdominal organs and their surrounding cavity. The major serous membranes include the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum, which create the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities, respectively.

Serous fluid is a clear, pale-yellow, typically watery liquid with low protein content. It is produced by filtration of blood plasma and by secretion from mesothelial cells. In normal conditions, small amounts keep surfaces lubricated; in disease, accumulations of serous fluid can occur as serous effusions, signaling inflammation or other pathology. In serous inflammation, the exudate is mainly serous and characteristically thin and watery, as seen in conditions like early pericarditis or skin blisters.

In histology, serous glands produce watery, enzyme-rich secretions, in contrast to mucous glands that secrete viscous mucous. An example of a serous gland is the parotid gland, which mainly releases serous saliva.

Overall, serózus describes features related to serosa, serous membranes, or serous secretions, highlighting a watery, serum-like quality in anatomical and clinical contexts.