Fine tuning of the tunica serosa

Since the tunica serosa is the basic structure of every serous cave, it is useful to describe its structure in more detail. As mentioned above, it consists of 2 layers: Serosa epithelium (lamina epithelialis) Single-layer cell structure, which primarily consists of flat mesothelium, a connective tissue formed during the embryonic period, serosa connective tissue (lamina propria) It consists of a network of blood and lymph vessels How are these important serous skins supplied with blood? As with organs, the (small) blood vessels and nerves in the connective tissue attract the serous membranes.

Thus the location of these structures is “submesothelial”. Another interesting aspect is the supply of nerve tissue to the visceral or parietal “leaf”. The visceral “leaf” is considered to be insensitive to pain, whereas the opposite is true for the parietal “leaf”, which is very sensitive to pain.

The nerve supply of the parietal pleura is taken over by the phrenic nerve, which also supplies the diaphragm. The pericardium is also supplied by the phrenic nerve. Additionally, parts of the nervus vagus are used. The parietal “leaf” of the peritoneal cavity is also supplied by the phrenic nerve, but from a different segment.

Serosa epithelium (Lamina epithelialis)
Serosal binding tissue (Lamina propria)

Emergence of serous caves

All described body cavities develop from a uniform body cavity, the so-called Zolomhöhle. By forming the lungs, kidneys, heart, etc. from this space towards the end of the third embryonic week, the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities develop. The progressive development of the diaphragm creates the anatomical border structure, which leads to the separation of the peritoneal cavity from the thoracic cavity. The connection of the pleural cavity with the pericardial cavity also becomes a serous cavity through the fusion of the two “pleuropericardial folds”.

Bleeding in body cavities

There can be bleeding in body cavities, such as the chest or abdominal cavity, due to various causes. A possible cause can be a traumatic experience, such as a traffic accident. A strong impact can injure internal organs, which then bleed into the corresponding body cavity.

Bleeding into a body cavity often shows typical symptoms, such as circulatory failure, palpitations or disturbances of consciousness. The internal bleeding is treated by a surgical procedure to stop the bleeding. In addition, the acute symptoms, such as circulatory failure due to medication, are treated. In the case of internal bleeding, it is important that the patient is treated as soon as possible, otherwise the blood loss becomes too great. In this case, there is a risk of complete circulatory collapse, which can lead to death if left untreated.