n. the material eliminated from the uterus through the vagina after the completion of labour. The first discharge, lochia rubra (lochia cruenta), consists largely of blood. This is followed by lochia serosa, a brownish mixture of blood and mucus, and finally lochia alba (lochia purulenta), a yellowish or whitish discharge containing microorganisms and cell fragments. Each stage may last for several days. —lochial adj.... lochia
(serosa) a smooth transparent membrane, consisting of *mesothelium and underlying elastic fibrous connective tissue, lining certain large cavities of the body. The *peritoneum of the abdomen, *pleura of the chest, and *pericardium of the heart are all serous membranes. Each consists of two portions: the parietal portion lines the walls of the cavity, and the visceral portion covers the organs concerned. The two are continuous, forming a closed sac with the organs essentially outside the sac. The inner surface of the sac is moistened by a thin fluid derived from blood serum, which allows frictionless movement of organs within their cavities. Compare mucous membrane.... serous membrane
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