Pleura Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the pleura?
A double-layered serous membrane that covers each lung and lines the thoracic cage.
The pleura is lined by mesothelium and consists of an outer parietal layer and an inner visceral layer.
What are the two layers of the pleura called?
Parietal pleura and visceral (pulmonary) pleura.
The parietal pleura attaches to the chest wall, while the visceral pleura covers the lungs.
What is the pleural cavity?
The potential space between the parietal and visceral pleurae that contains pleural fluid.
This cavity allows for lung movement during breathing.
What does the visceral pleura cover?
The surfaces and fissures of the lung except for the hilum and along the pulmonary ligament attachment.
It is firmly adherent to the lung.
What are the parts of the parietal pleura?
- Mediastinal part
- Costal part
- Diaphragmatic part
- Cervical part
Each part has a specific area it covers in the thoracic cavity.
What is the pulmonary ligament?
A fold of parietal pleura surrounding the root of the lung that extends downwards.
It provides a dead space for the pulmonary veins and lung roots.
What are pleural recesses?
Areas of parietal pleura that act as reserve spaces for the lung during deep inspiration.
They are clinically significant areas where fluid can accumulate.
What are the two pleural recesses?
- Costomediastinal recess
- Costodiaphragmatic recess
These recesses are important during lung expansion and may accumulate fluid.
What is the function of pleural fluid?
It lubricates the pleural surfaces and generates surface tension to keep the visceral and parietal pleura adjacent.
This facilitates lung inflation and deflation.
How is the parietal pleura innervated?
By the phrenic and intercostal nerves.
It is sensitive to pressure, pain, and temperature.
What is the blood supply for the parietal pleura?
Derived from the intercostal arteries.
This supply is crucial for the pleura’s function and health.
How is the visceral pleura innervated?
By the autonomic nervous system from the pulmonary plexus.
It is not sensitive to pain, temperature, or touch.
What is the arterial supply for the visceral pleura?
Via the bronchial arteries from the descending aorta.
These arteries also supply the lung parenchyma.
What is paracentesis thoracis?
Aspiration of fluid from the pleural cavity.
Access is usually through the lower part of the intercostal space.
What is pleurisy?
Inflammation of the pleurae that may result in fluid collection called effusion.
Dry pleurisy is more painful due to increased friction between pleural layers.
What is pleural effusion?
Collection of fluid in the pleural cavity.
It can be classified as pneumothorax, haemothorax, pneumohydrothorax, or pyothorax.
What are the clinical features of significant pleural effusion?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Asymmetrical chest expansion
Upon percussion, the affected side may be hyper-resonant or dull.
What is the treatment for pleural effusion?
Identifying the underlying cause and usually involves passing a chest tube to remove excess fluid.
This allows the lung to re-expand.
