mesothelium

mes·o·the·li·um  (mz-thl-m, ms-)

n. pl. mes·o·the·li·a (-l-)

The layer of flat cells of mesodermal origin that lines the embryonic body cavity and gives rise to the squamous cells of the peritoneum, pericardium, and pleura.

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[meso- + (epi)thelium.]

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meso·theli·al adj.

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mesothelium  (mz-thl-m)

Plural mesothelia

A layer of flattened epithelial cells that lines the membranes of closed body cavities, including the pericardium, pleurae, and peritoneum. Compare endothelium.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

mesothelium - epithelium originating in the embryonic mesoderm; lines the primordial body cavity epithelial tissue, epithelium - membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body