THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SEROUS MEMBRANES

Abstract

In attempting to consider the general subject of the physiology of the serous membranes, it is important to note that it has become customary to consider the pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities as wholly similar in their functions and reactions. This generaliza-tion is supported by most of the evidence which has been obtained by the numerous investigations OR the subject and will therefore be accepted as the basis of this review. It will be presented largely from the standpoint of the reactions of the peritoneum, has been some evidence of differences in the other but wh serous erever there cavities this will be discussed. This method of approach has been selected because the peritoneum has been studied much more extensively than either