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What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that forms the
lining of several body cavities: the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Mesothelial tissue also surrounds the male internal re information mesotheliomaive
organs and covers the internal
reinformation mesotheliomaive organs of women. Mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called visceral
mesothelium, while the layer that covers the body walls is
called the parietal mesothelium.
Origin:
Mesothelium derives from the embryonic mesoderm cell layer, that
lines the coelom (body cavity) in the embryo. It develops into
the layer of cells that covers and protects most of the internal
organs of the body. A layer of mesothelial cells grown in cell
culture, featuring the typical "cobblestone" appearance
Structure:
The mesothelium forms a monolayer of flattened squamous-like
epithelial cells resting on a thin basement membrane supported
by connective tissue. Cuboidal mesothelial cells may be found at
areas of injury, the milky spots of the omentum, and the
peritoneal side of the diaphragm overlaying the lymphatic
lacunae. The luminal surface is covered with microvilli. The
proteins and serosal fluid trapped by the microvilli provide a
frictionless surface for internal organs to slide past one
another.
Function:
The mesothelium is composed of an extensive monolayer of
specialized cells that line the body's
serous cavities and internal organs. The main purpose of these
cells is to produce a lubricating fluid that is released between
layers, providing a slippery, non-adhesive and protective
surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement. The mesothelium is
also implicated in the transport and movement of fluid and
particulate matter across the serosal cavities, leucocyte
migration in response to inflammatory mediators, synthesis of
pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and extracellular
matrix proteins to aid in serosal repair, and the release of
factors to promote the disposition and clearance of fibrin. It is an antigen presenting cell. Furthermore,
the secretion of glycosaminoglycans and lubricants may protect
the body against infection and tumor dissemination.
Others Information:
- What is the mesothelium?
- How common is mesothelioma?
-
What
are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
- What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
- How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
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