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==Pleural Membranes==

==Introduction==

The surface of the inner wall of all of the body cavities are lined by a serous membrane which consists of a single layer of flat epithelium with a thin underlying propria (connective tissue). Within the thoracic cavity, this is known as the ''Pleura''.

The surface of the inner wall of all of the body cavities are lined by a serous membrane which consists of a single layer of flat epithelium with a thin underlying propria (connective tissue). Within the thoracic cavity, this is known as the ''Pleura''.

==Structure of the Pleural Membranes==

===Structure of the Pleural Membranes===

[[Image:PleuralMembranesSchematic.jpg|right|thumb|350px|'''Schematic Diagram of the Pleural Membranes''' (Cross section through thoracic cavity at the level of the heart)]]

[[Image:PleuralMembranesSchematic.jpg|right|thumb|350px|'''Schematic Diagram of the Pleural Membranes''' (Cross section through thoracic cavity at the level of the heart)]]

*The Heart is invested in a Parietal and Visceral layer of '''Pericardium''' with the '''Pericardial Space''' separating the two membranes.

*The Heart is invested in a Parietal and Visceral layer of '''Pericardium''' with the '''Pericardial Space''' separating the two membranes.

*Cranially the Costal and Mediastinal Pleura adjoin to form a 'dome' of pleura which extends cranially to the thoracic inlet. This is known as the '''Cupulae Pleurae'''. This region is only protected by soft tissue, and thus is vulnerable to injury.

*Cranially the Costal and Mediastinal Pleura adjoin to form a 'dome' of pleura which extends cranially to the thoracic inlet. This is known as the '''Cupulae Pleurae'''. This region is only protected by soft tissue, and thus is vulnerable to injury.

 

==Function==

==Function==