serösa

Serösa is the Swedish term used in anatomy to describe tissues and fluids that resemble or originate from serous substances. The term is derived from the Latin serosus meaning watery, via French séreux and English serous. In anatomy, serös (serösa) refers to serous membranes (serösa hinnor) and the serous fluids they secrete.

Serous membranes, or serosa, form a smooth, slippery lining that covers abdominal, thoracic, and some pelvic organs. They consist of a single layer of mesothelial cells supported by connective tissue, and are divided into parietal portions lining cavities and visceral portions covering organs. The space between the layers contains serous fluid, which reduces friction as organs move.

Principal serous membranes include the pleura surrounding the lungs, the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity and enveloping abdominal organs, and the pericardium enclosing the heart. The serous fluid is typically a clear, low-protein, non-cellular filtrate that facilitates low-friction movement.

Clinical relevance includes serous effusions, where excess serous fluid accumulates in a cavity, such as pleural effusion, peritoneal ascites, or pericardial effusion, often signaling disease or inflammation. Postoperative seromas are collections of serous fluid that can occur after surgery, though they may involve tissue injury and lymphatic leakage rather than true serous membrane dysfunction.

In Swedish medical texts, serösa hinnor is the common term for these membranes, and serösa vätskor may refer to serous fluids produced by these membranes. See also serous membrane, serous fluid, and mesothelium.