The mesothelium is a thin, slippery membrane found lining the body's internal cavities, including the:
- Lungs: The mesothelium here is called the pleura, and it surrounds each lung, preventing friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing.
- Abdomen: The mesothelium in the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It covers the abdominal organs and lines the abdominal cavity, allowing organs to move freely without friction.
- Heart: The mesothelium surrounding the heart is called the pericardium. It encases the heart, protecting it and preventing it from rubbing against the chest wall.
- Testes: The mesothelium covers the testes as the tunica vaginalis, a sac-like structure that allows the testes to move freely within the scrotum.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelial cells lining these cavities. It's often linked to asbestos exposure, a material that can irritate the mesothelium and lead to the development of this aggressive form of cancer.
