The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity is known as what?

The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity is called the parietal peritoneum. This serous membrane forms the inner lining of the abdominal wall, providing a protective layer and allowing for the smooth movement of abdominal organs. The parietal peritoneum plays a crucial role in reducing friction between the abdominal organs, thus facilitating their movement during digestion and other bodily functions.

In contrast, the visceral peritoneum, while closely related, is the layer that covers the external surfaces of most abdominal organs. This distinction is essential in anatomy since the two layers work together but serve different purposes in structure and function.

The pleura refers specifically to the membranes surrounding the lungs and is not related to the abdominal cavity. The term 'serosal lining' is a broader term that could refer to any serous membrane in the body, including both peritoneal and pleural linings, but it lacks the specificity required to accurately identify the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.