Final answer:
Serous membranes are associated with the pleural, pericardial, and abdominal cavities, which encompass the lungs, heart, and several abdominopelvic organs, respectively. They secrete serous fluid to minimize friction and protect against damage, making the correct answer d) all of these choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Serous membranes are associated with several body cavities and play a critical role in protecting the organs by reducing friction.
Specifically, serous membranes are found in the following cavities:
- Pleural cavity: Enclosed by the pleura, surrounding the lungs.
- Pericardial cavity: Enclosed by the pericardium, surrounding the heart.
- Abdominal cavity: Enclosed by the peritoneum, surrounding several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is d) all of these choices, as serous membranes are associated with the pleural, pericardial, and abdominal cavities. These membranes secrete serous fluid, which acts as a lubricant to minimize friction and potential damage from organ movement.