Final answer:
Serous membranes contain fluid between their visceral and parietal layers, which helps to reduce friction and enable smooth movement of organs within the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of membrane that contains fluid between the visceral and parietal layers is the serous membrane. Serous membranes are composed of mesodermally derived epithelium, known as mesothelium, supported by connective tissue. These membranes create a friction-free environment, allowing organs within the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities to glide against one another smoothly. The fluid-filled space between the parietal layer, which lines the cavity walls, and the visceral layer, which covers the organs, is called the serous cavity. This space is where serous fluid is secreted by cells of the mesothelium to reduce friction and abrasion between adjacent organs.