SEROUS SYSTEM, 259 



You will observe that the serous surfaces are as prone to 

 adhere, as you have seen the mucous tissues reluctant to 

 do so. 



Q. Where are these serous adhesions most frequently 

 found? 



ft. They occur most frequently in the pleura. They 

 are seldom met with in the tunica arachnoides. 



Q. These adhesions vary much; will you describe some 

 of these varieties ? 



#. Sometimes they are so extensive and close as to 

 form but one membrane; again they are loose and easily 

 separable. Then you will see elongations from the fixed 

 to the free serous surface, these elongations have canals in 

 them. Bichat thinks these elongations are original for- 

 mations, not the result of diseased action; and lastly, there 

 are adhesions of cellular layers, without these canals. 



Q. What is to be observed of the connexions of the se- 

 rous and mucous membranes in disease? 



t/2. That as their organization differs, and as their vital 

 forces vary, they are distinct and unconnected in disease. 



Q. What is the nature of the serous fluids? 



/?. It is a dew, a halitus in health; the serum is albu- 

 minous in its nature. In disease it is found changed to 

 pus, albuminous flakes, bloody, and fluids of various other 

 colours. 



Organization of the Serous System. 



Q. What are the characters of the organization of serous 

 tissue? 



Jl. It is a single, transparent, whitish, shining mem- 



