<P> The pericardial cavity (surrounding the heart), pleural cavity (surrounding the lungs) and peritoneal cavity (surrounding most organs of the abdomen) are the three serous cavities within the human body . While serous membranes have a lubricative role to play in all three cavities, in the pleural cavity it has a greater role to play in the function of breathing . </P> <P> The serous cavities are formed from the intraembryonic coelom and are basically an empty space within the body surrounded by serous membrane . Early in embryonic life visceral organs develop adjacent to a cavity and invaginate into the bag - like coelom . Therefore, each organ becomes surrounded by serous membrane - they do not lie within the serous cavity . The layer in contact with the organ is known as the visceral layer, while the parietal layer is in contact with the body wall . </P> <P> In the human body, there are three serous cavities with associated serous membranes: </P> <Ul> <Li> A serous membrane lines the pericardial cavity of the heart, and reflects back to cover the heart, much like an under - inflated balloon would form two layers surrounding a fist . Called the pericardium, this serous membrane is a two - layered sac that surrounds the entire heart except where blood vessels emerge on the heart's superior side; </Li> <Li> The pleura is the serous membrane that surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity; </Li> <Li> The peritoneum is the serous membrane that surrounds several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity . </Li> </Ul>

Inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the viscera