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Inphysiology,serous fluid orserosal fluid (originating from theMedieval Latin wordserosus, fromLatinserum) is any of variousbody fluids resemblingserum, that are typically pale yellow or transparent and of abenign nature. The fluid fills the inside ofbody cavities. Serous fluid originates fromserous glands, with secretions enriched withproteins andwater. Serous fluid may also originate from mixed glands, which contain bothmucous and serous cells. A common trait of serous fluids is their role in assistingdigestion,excretion, andrespiration.
In medical fields, especiallycytopathology, serous fluid is a synonym for effusion fluids from variousbody cavities. Examples of effusion fluid arepleural effusion andpericardial effusion. There are many causes of effusions which include involvement of the cavity bycancer. Cancer in a serous cavity is called aserous carcinoma.Cytopathology evaluation is recommended to evaluate the causes of effusions in these cavities.[1]
Saliva consists ofmucus and serous fluid; the serous fluid contains theenzymeamylase, which is important for thedigestion ofcarbohydrates. Minorsalivary glands of von Ebner present on thetonguesecrete thelipase. Theparotid gland produces purely serous saliva. The other majorsalivary glands produce mixed (serous and mucus) saliva.
Another type of serous fluid is secreted by theserous membranes (serosa), two-layered membranes which line thebody cavities. Serous membrane fluid collects on microvilli on the outer layer and acts as alubricant and reducesfriction frommuscle movement. This can be seen in thelungs, with thepleural cavity.
Pericardial fluid is a serous fluid secreted by the serous layer of the pericardium into thepericardial cavity. The pericardium consists of two layers, an outer fibrous layer and the inner serous layer. This serous layer has two membranes which enclose the pericardial cavity into which is secreted the pericardial fluid.
Blood serum is the component ofblood that is neither ablood cell nor aclotting factor. Blood serum andblood plasma are similar, but serum does not contain any clotting factors such asfibrinogen,prothrombin,thromboplastin and many others. Serum includes allproteins not used incoagulation (clotting) and all theelectrolytes,antibodies,antigens,hormones and anyexogenous substances, such asdrugs andmicroorganisms.
