subserous

Subserous is an anatomical term used to describe something located beneath a serous membrane, or under the serosa that lines a body cavity or covers organs. A serous membrane comprises a parietal layer lining the cavity and a visceral layer covering the organ; together they form the serosa. Subserous tissue lies between the serosa and the underlying organ or structure, and the term is used to describe both normal anatomy and pathology.

In clinical use, subserous usually appears in reference to fibroids of the uterus—subserosal leiomyomas. These are fibroids that grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may protrude into the pelvic cavity. They can be pedunculated, attached by a stalk, and may cause abdominal distension or pressure symptoms.

In anatomy and pathology texts, subserous describes locations in relation to serous membranes in various cavities, such as the peritoneal, pleural, or pericardial spaces. It is also used histologically to denote layers immediately beneath the serosa in certain organs, though exact layering can vary by organ and context.

Etymology: from Latin sub-, under, and serosus, serous.

See also: serosa; serous membrane; subserosal; subserosa; fibroid (subserosal type).