Definition of the Day

Asbestos has been used for centuries, praised for its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. But its widespread use has also led to serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

To help demystify asbestos and its impact, we’ve created the Asbestos Lexicon—a comprehensive glossary of asbestos-related terms.

Each day, we feature a new term, giving you bite-sized insights into asbestos minerals, health risks, industry practices, and legal issues. Whether you’re a researcher, an advocate, or someone affected by asbestos exposure, our lexicon is a valuable resource for understanding the big picture.

Serous Cavities:

Definition:
Serous cavities are fluid-filled spaces within the body that are lined by a thin membrane called the serosa. These cavities include the pleural cavity (around the lungs), peritoneal cavity (in the abdomen), and pericardial cavity (around the heart).

Phonetic Pronunciation:
(SEER-uhs KAV-ih-tees)

Etymological Origin:
The term "serous" comes from the Latin word "serosus," meaning "watery" or "serum-like," referring to the fluid these cavities contain. "Cavity" is derived from the Latin "cavitas," meaning "hollow" or "space." Together, the term describes the hollow spaces in the body that contain serous fluid.

Significance in Asbestos Context:
Serous cavities are significant in the context of asbestos exposure because asbestos fibers can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, which primarily affects the pleural and peritoneal cavities. These cavities ar...

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