What term describes the membrane covering an area around an organ?

The term that describes the membrane covering an area around an organ is "parietal." This term is used to refer specifically to the membrane that lines the walls of body cavities, creating a protective layer around organs. For instance, the parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity and surrounds the lungs, while the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.

Understanding the distinction between parietal and visceral membranes is crucial. The visceral membrane adheres directly to the organ itself, providing protection and lubrication, while the parietal membrane does not contact the organ directly but rather covers the cavity containing the organ. This differentiation is fundamental in anatomy, particularly in understanding the relationships among various organs and their surrounding structures.

The other terms do have specific anatomical meanings: the visceral refers to membranes closely associated with organs, peritoneal pertains specifically to the abdominal cavity, and mucosal refers to membranes lining body passages that are open to the exterior.