Mesothelium

What the heck is the mesothelium? Well, you've no doubt heard of mesothelioma, or you wouldn't be on this site. Well, it's possible that you might be, but we're generally catering to people who have at least heard of the disease, and who have possibly been affected by it, either as a patient or as the friend or relative of one.

So then, if you have some idea about what mesothelioma is, you may or may not know that it is a cancer of the cells in the mesothelium, which is where it gets its name from. The mesothelium is essentially a huge membrane that lines a number of bodily cavities of critical importance. We don't hear about it too much because it's just a lining, but its importance should only be underestimated at your peril.

Now, which body cavities are we talking about exactly? Well, it lines the pleura (or thoracal cavity), the peritoneum (or abdominal cavity (in response to the numerous questions we've received, yes, this DOES include the mesentery)), and last but certainly not least, the pericardium (which surrounds the heart).

In addition to these major body cavities, the mesothelium also performs functions by surrounding a number of other things. We shall turn our attention to these things presently. But keep in mind that just because these things appear somewhat late in the article, that doesn't mean they're not important. Because we're talking about how parts of the mesothelium surround the internal reproductive organs of both men (the tunica vaginalis testis) as well as women (the tunica serosa uteri).

In general, mesothelial tissue is called visceral mesothelium if it covers the internal organs, and it's called parietal mesothelium if it covers the body walls. Both types are very important in our biology.

Both kinds of mesothelial tissue have a certain look to them. Think of it as a monolayer of flattened squamous-like epithelial cells resting on a thin basement membrane supported by connective tissue. I know that's a ridiculous description, but it's honestly the best way to visualize it.

What exactly does the mesothelium actually do? Well, its major function is to produce a lubricant between layers to allow unrestricted and effortless intracoelomic movement. Additionally, it helps with the transport of stuff through the serosal cavities, as well as many other things. Even though the mesothelium doesn't get a lot of attention, you have to realize that you couldn't live without it.

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