CHAPTER 1 Introduction to the Human body Mucous membranes are the first line of defense in locations such as the nasal and oral cavities and in the uterine cavity. Being warm, moist, and highly vascular mucous membranes are vulnerable to pathogens. However, the acidic pH of the secreted mucus in these locations effectively kills most microorganisms. Mucous membranes occasionally do become infected, in which case other body immunity responses are called into action. a cold or a sore throat is an infection of mucous membranes, and swelling and congestion are among the first responses to fight the infection 1. 24 Describe the composition and general locations of the serous membranes, and distinguish these mem- branes from mucous membranes Serous membranes line the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities and cover visceral organs. They are composed of thin sheets of epithelial tissue(simple squamous epithelium)that lubricate, support, and ompartmentalize visceral organs. Serous fluid is the watery lubricant they secrete 1. 25 Give the specific locations of the individual serous membranes See table 1.1 and fig. 1. 17 TABlE 1.1 Serous membranes and Their locations CAVITY SEROUS MEMBRANE LOCATION Thoracic Visceral pleura Adhering to outer surface of lungs Lining thoracic walls and thoracic surface of diaphragm Visceral pericardium Covering outer surface of heart (epicardium) Parietal pericardium Durable covering surrounding heart Abdominopelvic Visceral peritoneum Covering abdominal viscera peritoneum Lining abdominal wall Mesentery Double fold of peritoneum connecting parietal to ceral periton Duodenum Figure 1.17 The serous membranes and their associated visceral organs. (a) An anterior view and(b)a midsagittal view.Mucous membranes are the first line of defense in locations such as the nasal and oral cavities and in the uterine cavity. Being warm, moist, and highly vascular, mucous membranes are vulnerable to pathogens. However, the acidic pH of the secreted mucus in these locations effectively kills most microorganisms. Mucous membranes occasionally do become infected, in which case other body immunity responses are called into action. A cold or a sore throat is an infection of mucous membranes, and swelling and congestion are among the first responses to fight the infection. 1.24 Describe the composition and general locations of the serous membranes, and distinguish these mem￾branes from mucous membranes. Serous membranes line the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities and cover visceral organs. They are composed of thin sheets of epithelial tissue (simple squamous epithelium) that lubricate, support, and compartmentalize visceral organs. Serous fluid is the watery lubricant they secrete. 1.25 Give the specific locations of the individual serous membranes. See table 1.1 and fig. 1.17. CHAPTER 1 Introduction to the Human Body 11 Figure 1.17 The serous membranes and their associated visceral organs. (a) An anterior view and (b) a midsagittal view. TABLE 1.1 Serous Membranes and Their Locations CAVITY SEROUS MEMBRANE LOCATION Thoracic Visceral pleura Adhering to outer surface of lungs Parietal pleura Lining thoracic walls and thoracic surface of diaphragm Visceral pericardium Covering outer surface of heart (epicardium) Parietal pericardium Durable covering surrounding heart Abdominopelvic Visceral peritoneum Covering abdominal viscera Parietal peritoneum Lining abdominal wall Mesentery Double fold of peritoneum connecting parietal to visceral peritoneum