During anatomy and physiology classes, when the membranes within the cavities of the human body are discussed, students may become overwhelmed with words like visceral peritoneum, parietal peritoneum, visceral pleura, and parietal pleura. Students can more easily differentiate new terms when they are given visuals to aid their imagination and “hooks” for the new knowledge to “attach” to.
As an example, in explaining the membranes, point out that pleura means the chest/lung area (have the students heard of pleurisy before?) and that peritoneum means the abdominal/pelvic areas (have they ever heard of peritonitis?). Explain that visceral refers to organs while parietal refers to the cavity itself. Then give the students a break so their minds can absorb this new information.
When the class is ready to discuss membranes again, do a little demonstration. (Make sure to come prepared with the props.) Set up a large mixing bowl and line it with a common plastic wrap. This is the parietal membrane that lines the cavity. Now set a large plastic bag filled with water (or, to be more realistic, with liver or other meat) into the bowl. This plastic bag represents the visceral membrane that covers the organs. Explain the lubrication properties of serous fluid by rubbing oil over the outside of the plastic so that it slips and slides easily against the plastic-lined mixing bowl.
Visuals such as this demonstration are greatly enjoyed by students, and they help students understand complex words. Do you have a teaching tip you would like to share with our online viewers? If so, email your tip to us, and we will share as many of them as possible with all of you.
