Pleura
Pleura
Definition
The pleura is a thin serous membrane composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells resting on elastic connective tissue rich in blood and lymphatic vessels. It consists of two continuous layers:
The visceral (pulmonary) pleura, which is closely adherent to the surface of the lungs and extends into the interlobar fissures.
The parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity and is subdivided into the costal pleura (covering the ribs and intercostal muscles), mediastinal pleura (covering the structures of the mediastinum), and diaphragmatic pleura (covering the thoracic surface of the diaphragm).
These two layers are normally in contact and are separated only by a potential space called the pleural space, which contains a small amount of lubricating serous fluid. This space is maintained under negative pressure, allowing the lungs to remain apposed to the thoracic wall and to expand during ventilation.
References
König HE, Liebich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 7th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020.
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2017.
Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV). 6th ed. Hannover: Editorial Committee, World Association of Veterinary Anatomists; 2017.
