Which membrane lines the abdominal cavity?

Prepare for the Marieb Language of Anatomy Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations for each answer. Ace your exam with confidence!

In serous membranes, the part that lines the cavity itself is the parietal layer. For the abdominal cavity, that lining is the parietal peritoneum. It forms the inner surface of the abdominal wall, while the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs themselves. Between these layers is the peritoneal cavity, a potential space with a bit of lubricating fluid to allow smooth movement of the organs. The other membranes listed are pleural membranes—parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity and visceral pleura covers the lungs—so they don’t line the abdominal cavity.