In which of the following cavities do serous membranes envelop the organs?

(Circle all that apply.)

a. Mediastinum

b. Pericardial cavity

c. Peritoneal cavity

d. Abdominal cavity

e. Pelvic cavity

f. Pleural cavity

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the definition of serous membranes: Serous membranes are thin, double-layered structures that cover the walls of the ventral body cavity and the outer surfaces of the organs within these cavities.
2. Understand the structure of serous membranes: They consist of two layers, a parietal layer lining the cavity walls and a visceral layer covering the organs.
3. Recognize the cavities that typically contain serous membranes: These include the pericardial cavity, peritoneal cavity, and pleural cavity.
4. Exclude cavities that do not typically contain serous membranes: The mediastinum, although part of the thoracic cavity, primarily contains organs and tissues but is not defined by serous membrane coverage. The abdominal and pelvic cavities are parts of the larger peritoneal cavity.
5. Conclude which options are correct based on the presence of serous membranes enveloping organs in those cavities: b. Pericardial cavity, c. Peritoneal cavity, f. Pleural cavity.