- Serous fluid
In
physiology , the term serous fluid is used for variousbodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and transparent, and of abenign nature.Saliva consists ofmucus and serous fluid; the serous fluid contains theenzyme amylase important for the digestion ofcarbohydrate s. Minor salivary glands of von Ebner present on thetongue secrete the amylase. Theparotid gland produces purely serous saliva. The other majorsalivary gland s produce mixed (serous and mucus) saliva.Another type of serous fluid is secreted by the
serous membrane s (or serosa), two layered membranes which line thebody cavities . The serous fluid between the two layers acts as alubricant and reducesfriction frommuscle movement.A common trait of serous fluids is their role in assisting
digestion ,excretion , and respiration.Blood serum is the liquid part of blood remaining after clotting, and is therefore lacking in clotting factors. It is therefore distinct fromblood plasma .See also
*
Blood plasma , the liquid portion ofblood withclotting factor s
*Seroma , a pocket of serous fluid within the body
*Serous glands
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