Mesothelium
Mesothelium
Mesothelium
The mesothelium is the thin layer of flat cells derived from embryonic mesoderm cell layer that forms the lining of the embryonic body cavity (coelom) in the human embryo. Mesothelium develops into the layer of cells (mesothelial) for the protection of most of the internal organs of the human body.
The thin coat or membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities surrounding the internal organs of the body includes the squamous cell linings around the thoracal cavity (pleura), the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the heart sac (pericardium). The mesothelium forms the mesothelial cells that connect themselves together in support of the body tissues. Mesothelial connective tissues are mostly found on internal male reproductive organs called the tunica vaginalis testis as well as the female reproductive organs referred to as the tunica serosa uteri.
Mesothelium covering the internal body organs is referred to as visceral mesothelium, while the membrane lining the walls of such body organs is called the parietal mesothelium. The mesothelial tissues contain two layers: the first layer provides protection to the internal body organ while the second layer’s function is to surround the cavity.
Functions of mesothelium
The mesothelium and the specialized mesothelial cells’ main function is the production of a fluid-like substance called plasminogen, that lubricates and releases between the layers of the organ that it is protects to remove fibrin deposits. The plasminogen acts as a protective barrier to the surrounding areas of the internal organs. This fluid provides ensures a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement.
The mesothelium is also responsible in the transport and movement of fluid and matters across the serosal cavities. It is likewise in charge of leukocyte migration in inflammation; production of pro-inflammatory growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins for serosal repair; disposition of fibrin; and production of glycosaminoglycans and lubricants to protects the body from infection and tumors.
To be specific, the role of mesothelium is to protect the body against unhealthy cells causing various infections and diseases including cancer, among others.
Diseases and the important role of mesothelium
Intra-abdominal adhesions -
The mesothelium normally produces plasminogen responsible for the removal of fibrin deposits from the internal organs. During surgical procedures, damage may be caused to the mesothelium. In such an instance, the fibrinolytic capacity of the cell is affected that fibrin deposits may accumulate and may cause adhesions in the abdominal surfaces. The fibrous adhesions, if in the abdomen, may cause intestinal obstruction and female infertility. If it occurs in the thorax cavities, the adhesions may impair cardiac and lung functions.
Ultrafiltration failure -
The peritoneal mesothelium is responsible in the development of ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis patients. Supra-physiological glucose concentrations, acidity, and glucose degradation in the dialysis fluid products results in the fibrosis of the peritoneal mesothelium and eventual ultrafiltration failure in affected individuals.
Mesothelioma or cancer of the mesothelium – It is a disease that develops due to a persons’ exposure to asbestos fibers and mostly affects the pleura or peritoneum. In mesothelioma, the mesothelium cells divide uncontrollably that causes certain abnormalities that may result in spreading rapidly of the unhealthy cancer cells. The unhealthy cells then quickly replicate and metastasize to invade and damage the other internal organs.
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