What is the inner, serous membrane layer that covers organs in a body cavity called?

• A. Visceral
• B. Parietal
• C. Mural
• D. Peritoneal

Answer: (A)

Serous membranes have two layers: a parietal layer that lines the cavity and a visceral layer that covers the organs inside that cavity. The inner layer that directly hugs and covers the organs is called the visceral layer. In the abdomen, this is referred to as the visceral peritoneum when talking about the peritoneal cavity, emphasizing its role as the organ-covering portion. That’s why the correct choice is visceral. The parietal layer lines the cavity walls, the term mural isn’t used here, and peritoneal refers to the serous membrane of the abdominal cavity rather than the specific organ-covering layer.