Body membranes are thin sheets of tissue that cover the body, line body cavities, and cover organs within the cavities in hollow organs. Two main categories of body membranes are epithelial and connective tissue membranes. Sub-categories include mucous membranes, serous membranes, synovial membranes, and meninges.

pleurae

pericardium

The pleura, pericardium and peritoneum are serous membranes. This section explains the terms ‘serous membrane’, ‘serosa’, ‘mesothelium’, which are often used in close relation with each other.

The pleura is the serous membrane which forms the lining of the pleural cavity and the peritoneum is the serous membrane covering the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity is the largest serous cavity of the human body, followed by both pleural cavities.

There are three types of epithelial membranes: mucous, which contain glands; serous, which secrete fluid; and cutaneous which makes up the skin.

What purpose do body membranes serve? They surround and help protect the body’s surfaces.

The cutaneous (ku-ta’ne-us) membrane is your skin. Its superficial epiderinis is composed of a keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. The underlying dermis is mostly dense (fibrous) con- nective tissue. Unlike the other epithelial men- branes, the cutaneous membrane is exposed to air and is a dry membrane.

What name is given to the rule for recognizing the signs of melanoma? The ABCD rule helps one to recognize signs of melanoma. The healing of burns and epidermal regeneration is usually uneventful unless the burn is a third-degree burn.

Mucous membranes line many tracts and structures of the body, including the mouth, nose, eyelids, trachea (windpipe) and lungs, stomach and intestines, and the ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder.

Dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration and can cause various health problems. 6 For example, dry mucous membranes in the lining of the nose can cause frequent bloody noses. You can help keep your mucous membranes moist by drinking plenty of water.

Treatment may include:

1. Sipping fluids throughout the day.
2. Chewing sugarless gum.
3. Using a saliva substitute as a mouthwash.
4. Avoiding antihistamines or other drugs that cause mucous membranes to dry up.
5. Being careful about regular mouth and tooth care and regular visits to the dentist.

To get relief, you can:

1. place a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep the air from getting too dry.
2. stop taking drying medications, such as antihistamines (or ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose something with fewer side effects)
3. drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Xerosis is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, which may be the result of ageing (senile Xerosis) or due to underlying diseases such as Diabetes. The result is dry or very dry, rough and tight skin, which can progress to become extremely rough and scaly, flaky and itchy.