pleura
Thoracic cavity membrane
The pleura is the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs.
It consists of two layers—one attached to the lung, one to the chest wall—with fluid between them allowing smooth movement during breathing.
Fluid accumulation in the pleura indicates various conditions.
Plural: pleurae or pleuras.
Respiratory chest organs
- visceralArising from deep instinct
- parietalOf the skull wall
- thoraxCentral body cavity
- chest wallRibcage and surrounding tissue
ribcage · mediastinum · diaphragm · intercostal · lobes · pulmonary · costal · hilum
Pus in body cavity
- pneumothoraxAir in pleural space
- mesotheliomaMalignancy of organ linings
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- adhesionsTissues abnormally joined together
tuberculosis · inflammation · malignancy · metastasis · asbestosis
Of thin, watery secretion
- liningInterior fabric layer
- coveringLayer that shields or hides
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- sheathProtective blade covering
tissue · lamina · barrier · film · encasement · lubrication · surface tension · gliding
Pulmonary gas exchange
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- expirationEnd of validity
- gas exchangeTransfer of respiratory molecules
inhalation · exhalation · negative pressure · compliance · airflow · pulmonary function
Catheter draining pleural space
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- drainageLiquid removal system
- thoracotomySurgical chest wall opening
- aspirationStrong desire for achievement
imaging · ultrasound · CT scan
lungs
Respiratory chest organs
chest wall · ribcage · mediastinum · diaphragm · intercostal · lobes · pulmonary · costal · hilum · apex
empyema
Pus in body cavity
- pneumothoraxAir in pleural space
- mesotheliomaMalignancy of organ linings
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
adhesions · tuberculosis · inflammation · malignancy · metastasis · asbestosis
serous
Of thin, watery secretion
sheath · tissue · lamina · barrier · film · encasement · lubrication · surface tension · gliding
breathing
Pulmonary gas exchange
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- expirationEnd of validity
gas exchange · inhalation · exhalation · negative pressure · compliance · airflow · pulmonary function
chest tube
Catheter draining pleural space
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- drainageLiquid removal system
- thoracotomySurgical chest wall opening
aspiration · imaging · ultrasound · CT scan
- body partsarm, leg, hand, back, chest
- anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
- Lungslungs, lung, bronchi, bronchus, alveoli
- Respirationbreathing, lungs, inhalation, inhaling, exhalation
- cardiopulmonaryheart rate, lungs, blood pressure, circulation, breathing
- respiratory systemlungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, airways
- visceral pleuraMembrane covering lung surface
- parietal pleuraMembrane lining chest wall