Parietal vs. Visceral — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Parietal relates to the walls of a body cavity, whereas visceral pertains to the organs within those cavities.
Difference Between Parietal and Visceral
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The parietal layer is part of membranes that line body cavities, while the visceral layer directly covers the organs inside these cavities.
Parietal structures provide a protective barrier against external forces, whereas visceral structures are more involved in organ function and health.
In terms of sensation, the parietal layer is typically sensitive to pain, pressure, and temperature, whereas the visceral layer is less sensitive to these stimuli.
When referring to pain, parietal pain is usually localized and sharp, making it easier to pinpoint, while visceral pain tends to be more diffuse and harder to locate.
In medical treatments and diagnostics, understanding the difference between parietal and visceral components is crucial for accurate assessments and interventions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Location
Lines the body cavities
Covers the organs
Sensitivity
High (pain, pressure, temperature)
Low (less sensitive to pain)
Function
Protective barrier
Directly involved in organ function
Type of Pain
Localized and sharp
Diffuse and vague
Importance in Medicine
Crucial for diagnostic precision
Essential for assessing organ health
Compare with Definitions
Parietal
Denoting the parietal layer of a serous membrane.
The parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall.
Visceral
Denoting the visceral layer of a serous membrane.
The visceral pleura covers the lungs.
Parietal
Pertaining to the wall of a cavity.
The parietal bone forms part of the skull.
Visceral
Involving an instinctive, gut reaction.
Her visceral dislike of the cold was evident.
Parietal
Relating to the parietal lobe of the brain.
Parietal lobe damage can affect sensory processing.
Visceral
Pertaining to the internal organs of the body.
Visceral fat surrounds the internal organs.
Parietal
Involving descriptive elements of a language's grammar.
Parietal terms are used in linguistic anatomy.
Visceral
Relating to deep inward feelings rather than intellect.
He had a visceral reaction to the news.
Parietal
Referring to a type of pain that is well localized.
The patient described sharp, parietal pain in her abdomen.
Visceral
Referring to a type of pain coming from internal organs.
Visceral pain is often difficult to pinpoint.
Parietal
Relating to or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure.
Visceral
Relating to the viscera
The visceral nervous system
Parietal
Denoting prehistoric art found on rock walls.
Visceral
Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect
The voters' visceral fear of change
Parietal
A parietal structure.
Visceral
Relating to, situated in, or affecting the viscera.
Parietal
Relating to or forming the wall of a body part, organ, or cavity.
Visceral
Being or arising from impulse or sudden emotion rather than from thought or deliberation
"The scientific approach to life is not really appropriate to states of visceral anguish" (Anthony Burgess).
Parietal
Of or relating to either of the parietal bones.
Visceral
(anatomy) Of or relating to the viscera—internal organs of the body.
Parietal
(Botany) Borne on the inside of the ovary wall. Used of the ovules or placentas in flowering plants.
Visceral
Having to do with the response of the body as opposed to the intellect, as in the distinction between feeling and thinking.
Parietal
Dwelling within or having authority within the walls or buildings of a college.
Visceral
Having deep sensibility.
Parietal
A parietal part, such as a wall or bone.
Visceral
Of, pertaining to, or affecting the viscera; splanchnic.
Parietal
(anatomy) Of or relating to the wall of a body part, organ or cavity.
Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the parietal cells of the gastric glands, located on the wall of the fundus of the stomach.
Visceral
Fig.: Having deep sensibility.
Parietal
(anatomy) Of or relating to the parietal bones
Visceral
Proceeding from emotion or instinct rather than from intellect; deeply emotional; - as, a visceral reaction.
Parietal
Of or relating to college living and, especially, its regulation.
Visceral
Dealing with coarse or base emotions; - as, a visceral literary style.
Parietal
(botany) Attached to the main wall of the ovary, and not to the axis; said of a placenta.
Visceral
Relating to or affecting the viscera;
Visceral bleeding
A splanchnic nerve
Parietal
(anatomy) Either of the two parietal bones, on the top and side of the skull.
Visceral
Obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation
Parietal
Any of the scales of a snake that are located on the head and connected to the frontals towards the posterior.
Parietal
(archaeology) A flat Roman wall tile with roughened surface, used as a base for plasterwork.
Parietal
Of or pertaining to a wall; hence, pertaining to buildings or the care of them.
Parietal
Resident within the walls or buildings of a college.
At Harvard College, the officers resident within the college walls constitute a permanent standing committee, called the Parietal Committee.
Parietal
Of or pertaining to the parietes.
Parietal
Attached to the main wall of the ovary, and not to the axis; - said of a placenta.
Parietal
One of the parietal bones.
Parietal
One of the special scales, or plates, covering the back of the head in certain reptiles and fishes.
Parietal
Of or relating to or associated with the parietal bones in the cranium;
Parietal lobe
Common Curiosities
Can visceral sensations be easily felt
No, visceral sensations are less perceptible compared to parietal sensations.
What does the visceral layer cover
It covers the organs within body cavities.
What kind of medical conditions involve the parietal layer
Conditions like peritonitis involve inflammation of the parietal layer.
How does visceral fat differ from other types of fat
Visceral fat is located deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding organs.
How do parietal and visceral pain differ
Parietal pain is sharp and localized, whereas visceral pain is more diffuse and vague.
Why is it important to distinguish between parietal and visceral in medicine
Accurate diagnosis and treatment often depend on this distinction.
What is the main function of the parietal layer
It serves as a protective barrier for body cavities.
What could cause pain in the visceral layer
Organ dysfunction or disease can cause visceral pain.
Are the parietal and visceral layers the same in all body cavities
No, they are specific to each cavity but always have a similar parietal-visceral structure.
How do treatments targeting parietal pain differ from those for visceral pain
Treatments for parietal pain often focus on the somatic structures, while those for visceral pain might involve managing organ function.
What medical conditions are associated with the visceral layer
Organ diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, involve the visceral layer.
Are there any surgeries specifically for the parietal layer
Yes, surgeries like hernia repairs involve the parietal layers.
Can emotional responses be considered visceral
Yes, emotional responses that are deep and instinctual are considered visceral.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Comradeship vs. Camaraderie
Next Comparison
Oligarchy vs. PlutocracyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
