Pleural tissue (null)

Pleural tissue refers to the two-layered serous membrane (parietal and visceral pleura) covering the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity. Each layer is composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells supported by connective tissue containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and lymphatics. The pleura produce lubricating serous fluid that fills the pleural cavity, minimizing friction as the lungs expand and contract during breathing. The pleural tissue is implicated in various pathological processes, notably pleural effusion, pleuritis, and especially malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelial cells.

Other names

Pleurapleural membranepleural layersparietal pleuravisceral pleura

null