Difference between revisions of "Pleural Cavity and Membranes - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==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== |
Revision as of 08:40, 13 August 2008
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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
- 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.
- 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.