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Pleural Cavity and Membranes - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 08:40, 13 August 2008
, 08:40, 13 August 2008→Structure of the Pleural Membranes
==Structure of the Pleural Membranes==
==Structure of the Pleural Membranes==
[[Image:PleuralMembranesSchematic.jpg|right|thumb|350px|'''Schematic Diagram 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)]]
*Each lung is placed within a separatte layer of membrane, thus there are two pleural sacs.
*Each lung is placed within a separatte layer of membrane, thus there are two pleural sacs.
*The space between the two sacs is known as the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|Mediastinum]].
*The space between the two sacs is known as the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|Mediastinum]].
**
*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 '''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 '''Pleural Cavity'''. This contains a small amount of serous fluid which establishes adhesion between the layers and allows smooth movement.
*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.
==Function==
==Function==