Pleural Cavity and Membranes - Anatomy & Physiology

()Map CARDIORESPIRATORY SYSTEM (Map)

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.

Structure of the Pleural Membranes

Schematic Diagram of the Pleural Membranes

• 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.