How does the visceral pleura differ from the parietal pleural reflections?

How does the visceral pleura differ from the parietal pleural reflections?

Generally, the visceral pleura (lungs) are 2 ribs more superior than the parietal pleura at mid inspiration. The pleural cavities are closed sacs enveloping each lung. The parietal layer is thicker and is attached to the walls of the thorax (e.g., diaphragm, ribs, etc).

What is the difference between pleural and visceral?

There are two types of pleura; parietal and visceral. The parietal pleura is the thicker and more durable outer layer that lines the inner aspect of the thoracic cavity and the mediastinum. The visceral pleura is the more delicate inner layer of pleura that lines the outer surface of the lung itself.

What do the visceral pleura cover?

There are two layers; the outer pleura (parietal pleura) is attached to the chest wall and the inner pleura (visceral pleura) covers the lungs and adjoining structures, via blood vessels, bronchi and nerves.

What is the role of visceral pleura?

The layer of pleura that covers the lung parenchyma is named the visceral pleura. By invaginating and folding back on itself to form the fissures of the lungs, it is responsible for creating the different lung lobes. Opposite to the visceral pleura is the parietal pleura.

How does the visceral pleura work?

The space between the membranes (called the pleural cavity) is filled with a thin, lubricating liquid (called pleural fluid). The visceral pleura is the thin, slippery membrane that covers the surface of the lungs and dips into the areas separating the different lobes of the lungs (called the hilum).

What are Kerley A lines?

Kerley A lines These are 2-6 cm long oblique lines that are <1 mm thick and course towards the hila. They represent thickening of the interlobular septa that contain lymphatic connections between the perivenous and bronchoarterial lymphatics deep within the lung parenchyma.

Where are the parietal and visceral pleura located?

The visceral pleura covers the outer surface of the lungs, and extends into the interlobar fissures. It is continuous with the parietal pleura at the hilum of each lung (this is where structures enter and leave the lung). Pleural Cavity. The pleural cavity is a potential space between the parietal and visceral pleura.

What is the vertebral line of pleural reflection called?

The vertebral line of pleural reflection is a more rounded turn where the costal pleura becomes the mediastinal pleura posteriorly. Sometimes, these reflections of pleura can form a pocket-like space in the thoracic cavity called a pleural recess, which will be discussed in more detail further in this article.

What are the surface markings of the pleura?

The surface markings of the lines of pleural reflection are important to know as an incision or puncture along these lines can inadvertently cause a pneumothorax or a hemothorax. The lungs do not completely fill the anterior and posterior regions of pleural cavities resulting in the formation of pleural recesses.

What are the reflection and recesses of the pleura?

Pleural Reflections and Recesses. A pleural reflection is a line or curvature that occurs when a fold is made so that the pleura can change direction. Posteriorly there is a vertebral reflection, inferiorly a costal reflection and anteriorly a sternal reflection.