A thin, 2-layered membrane, 1 layer covering the outside of the lungs and the other lining the inside of the chest cavity. Fluid between the layers provides lubrication, allowing smooth movement of the lungs during breathing.
The name of the membrane which, on either side of the chest, forms a covering for one lung. The two pleurae are distinct, though they touch one another for a short distance behind the breast-bone. (See LUNGS.)
n. the covering of the lungs (visceral pleura) and of the inner surface of the chest wall (parietal pleura). (See illustration.) The covering consists of a closed sac of *serous membrane, which has a smooth shiny moist surface due to the secretion of small amounts of fluid. This fluid lubricates the opposing visceral and parietal surfaces so that they can slide painlessly over each other during breathing. —pleural adj.
The normally restricted space between the parietal and the visceral PLEURA, which slide over one another as the individual breathes in and out. If gas or ?uid are introduced as a result of injury or infection, the pleural surfaces are separated and the pleural space increases in volume. This usually causes breathing diffculties.... pleural cavity
any one of a variety of conditions involving the *pleura, but not the lungs (see asbestosis), in subjects exposed to asbestos. These include the formation of pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, and pleural effusions (see oedema).... asbestos-related pleural disease
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