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[[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)]]

*Each lung is placed within a separate layer of membrane, thus there are two pleural sacs.

*Each [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lung]] is placed within a separate layer of membrane, thus there are two pleural sacs.

*The space between the two sacs is known as the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|Mediastinum]], and is almost in the midline of the thorax.

*The space between the two sacs is known as the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|Mediastinum]], and is almost in the midline of the thorax.

*The pleura covering the surface of the lung is known as '''Pulmonary Pleura''' or '''Visceral Pleura'''. This becomes continuous with the '''Mediastinal Pleura''' as it wraps around the lung.

*The pleura covering the surface of the lung is known as '''Pulmonary Pleura''' or '''Visceral Pleura'''. This becomes continuous with the '''Mediastinal Pleura''' as it wraps around the [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lung]].

*The '''Diaphragmatic''' and '''Costal Pleura''' are continuous with the Mediastinal Pleura. Together, these three membranes are the '''Parietal Pleura'''.

*The '''Diaphragmatic''' and '''Costal Pleura''' are continuous with the Mediastinal Pleura. Together, these three membranes are the '''Parietal Pleura'''.

*Between the Parietal and Visceral Pleura is the '''Intrapleural Space'''. This contains a small amount of serous fluid which establishes adhesion between the layers and allows smooth movement between the lung and chest wall, and between individual lobes of the lungs.

*Between the Parietal and Visceral Pleura is the '''Intrapleural Space''', or '''Pleural Cavity'''. This contains a small amount of serous fluid which establishes adhesion between the layers and allows smooth movement between the lung and chest wall, and between individual lobes of the [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lungs]].

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

*The [[Heart - Anatomy & Physiology|Heart]] is invested in a Parietal and Visceral layer of [[Structure of the Heart - Anatomy & Physiology#Pericardium|'''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.

*Within the pleural sac encasing the right lung, there is a fold which encases the Vena Cava. It is known as the '''Plica Venae Cavae'''.

*Within the pleural sac encasing the right [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lung]], there is a fold which encases the Vena Cava. It is known as the '''Plica Venae Cavae'''.

*The Pleural Membranes are larger than the lungs which they encase, thus there are areas where the facing surfaces of parietal pleura touch eachother. These are known as '''Pleural Recesses'''. One example is the '''Costodiaphragmatic Recess''', the space between the costal and diaphragmatic pleura. The volume of the recess varies to a point due to the phase of inspiration/expiration.

*The Pleural Membranes are larger than the [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lungs]] which they encase, thus there are areas where the facing surfaces of parietal pleura touch eachother. These are known as '''Pleural Recesses'''. One example is the '''Costodiaphragmatic Recess''', the space between the costal and [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]]atic pleura. The volume of the recess varies to a point due to the phase of [[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Inspiration|inspiration]]/[[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Expiration|expiration]].

===Pleural Membrane Function===

===Pleural Membrane Function===