Quick Facts
The mesothelium is the layer of flat cells, derived from the mesoderm, that line the coelom or body cavity of the embryo. In the adult, it forms the simple squamous epithelium that covers all true serous membranes (peritoneum, pericardium, pleura) (Dorland, 2011).
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
The peritoneum is a complex, continuous serous membrane consisting of a layer of mesothelium and varying degrees of connective and adipose tissue. Visually, it is largely unremarkable, smooth, and has a lubricated surface due to the presence of peritoneal fluid.
Anatomical Relations
The mesothelium covers the mesovarium and is continuous with the germinal epithelium that lines the outer surface of the ovary.
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
