What makes serous fluid

When fluids accumulate in the lungs due to infection, the ability to obtain oxygen from the environment and to expel waste gases from the body may be compromised and lead to critical changes in the body. Two major types of these fluids must be differentiated, that of transudates and exudates.

Either or both may be affected by infectious processes as well as with mechanical trauma. Transudates occur naturally in certain areas of the body, such as the joints and in bodily cavities where organs are found, to provide for lubrication.

Either too much or too little will lead to medical problems. The conditions of accumulations of either type of fluid may be treated by repairing a mechanical condition or by treating an infective disorder. Saliva consists of mucus and serous fluid; the serous fluid contains the enzyme amylase important for the digestion of carbohydrates.

Minor salivary glands of von Ebner present on the tongue secrete the amylase. The parotid gland produces purely serous saliva. The other major salivary glands produce mixed serous and mucus saliva.

Another type of serous fluid is secreted by the serous membranes or serosa , two layered membranes which line the body cavities. The serous fluid between the two layers acts as a lubricant and reduces friction from muscle movement. The serous membrane covers the heart; it has an inner layer the parietal pericardium and an outer layer the visceral pericardium. The serosa of the uterus is called the perimetrium.

Key Terms pleural cavity : The body cavity that surrounds the lungs and is enclosed by the pleura. The digestive system is suspended within the cavity that is lined by a tissue called the peritoneum. The Serous Membrane In anatomy, the serous membrane or serosa is a smooth membrane that consists of a thin connective tissue layer and a thin layer of cells that secrete serous fluid. Authored by : Boundless. Provided by : Boundless. Provided by : Wikibooks.

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