Pleura, Anatomy and Histology of

Synonyms

Serosa

Definition

The pleura is a continuous serous membrane that envelops each lung (visceral pleura) and lines the inner surface of both thoracic cavities (parietal pleura), creating a thin space with fluid, called the pleural cavity. The pleural cavities of the right and left lung are isolated from one another by the mediastinum. Regions of the parietal pleura can be described by the thoracic wall that they are associated with and firmly attached to. These include the cervical part, costal part, diaphragmatic part, and mediastinal part. The visceral pleura is firmly attached to lung surfaces including the opposing surfaces of the interlobar fissures, which divide each lung into lobes.

Blood Supply

The pleural membrane consists of a surface mesothelium that rests on a basement membrane and supported by connective tissue, through which blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves course. The bronchial circulation supplies blood to the visceral pleura, while the parietal...