Serous
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The term 'serous' refers to that which relates to serum, or blood serum. It is used to describe fluids that resemble serum in appearance, physical and chemical properties, and origin from blood plasma. The term also applies to body cavities such as pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities, collectively known as 'serous cavities'.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Serous, having relation to serum, i.e., to blood serum. Thus, one speaks of serous fluid, meaning, on one hand, its external resemblance to serum, and on the other hand, and mainly—similarity of physical and chemical properties, as well as the very origin of this fluid from blood plasma. A typical serous fluid is observed in dropsy of body cavities and in the so-called serous inflammation. The term serous is also applied to such body cavities as pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities, which are united under the name 'serous cavities'. The inner surface of these cavities is called the serous surface, the epithelium covering the latter—the serous epithelium, and the innermost layer of the wall—the serous membrane.
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Cite this page
“Serous.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/serous/