In physiology, the term serous fluid is used for various bodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and transparent, and of a benign nature, that fill the inside of body cavities.

Saliva consists of mucus and serous fluid; the serous fluid contains the enzyme amylase important for the digestion of carbohydrates. Minor salivary glands of von Ebner present on the tongue secrete the amylase. The parotid gland produces purely serous saliva. The other major salivary glands produce mixed (serous and mucus) saliva.

Another type of serous fluid is secreted by the serous membranes (or serosa), two layered membranes which line the body cavities. The serous fluid between the two layers acts as a lubricant and reduces friction from muscle movement. Cytopathologic evaluation is recommended to evaluate the causes of fluid accumulation which include involvement of the cavity by cancer.^[1]

A common trait of serous fluids is their role in assisting digestion, excretion, and respiration.

Blood serum is the liquid part of blood remaining after clotting, and is therefore lacking in clotting factors and distinct from blood plasma.

In medical fields, especially cytopathology, serous fluid is a synonym for effusion fluids from various body cavities. There are many causes of effusions which include involvement of the cavity by cancer. Cytopathology evaluation is recommended to evaluate the causes of effusions in these cavities.^[2]

[edit] See also

• Blood plasma, the liquid portion of blood with clotting factors
• Seroma, a pocket of serous fluid within the body
• Serous glands

[edit] References

1. ^ Shidham VB and Atkinson BF. Cytopathologic Diagnosis of Serous Fluids [1] Elsevier, 2007 (ISBN 9781416001454).
2. ^ Shidham VB and Atkinson BF. Cytopathologic Diagnosis of Serous Fluids [2] Elsevier, 2007 (ISBN 9781416001454).

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