parietal pleura

anatomy

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The parietal pleura is a membrane that lines the thoracic cavity, which is the space within the chest that contains the lungs and heart. This membrane folds back at the root of the lung to become the visceral pleura, which covers the surface of the lungs. In a healthy state, these two pleural layers are in direct contact. The space between them, the pleural cavity, normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid. Disorders of the pleura can include inflammation (pleurisy), fluid accumulation (pleural effusion), or tumors like mesothelioma.12

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4 Britannica Sources

pleura
respiratory disease - Diseases of the pleura
pleura
pleuroperitoneum

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human respiratory system
Gross anatomy
…with serous membranes, respectively the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura, which are in direct continuity at the hilum. Depending on the subjacent structures, the parietal pleura can be subdivided into three portions: the mediastinal, costal, and diaphragmatic pleurae. The lung surfaces facing these pleural areas are named accordingly, since…
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…with serous membranes, respectively the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura, which are in direct continuity at the hilum. Depending on the subjacent structures, the parietal pleura can be subdivided into three portions: the mediastinal, costal, and diaphragmatic pleurae. The lung surfaces facing these pleural areas are named accordingly, since…
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human respiratory system
The role of muscles
…inside of the chest (parietal pleura) are normally kept in close proximity (despite the pull of lung and chest in opposite directions) by surface tension of the thin layer of fluid covering these surfaces. The strength of this bond can be appreciated by the attempt to pull apart two…
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…inside of the chest (parietal pleura) are normally kept in close proximity (despite the pull of lung and chest in opposite directions) by surface tension of the thin layer of fluid covering these surfaces. The strength of this bond can be appreciated by the attempt to pull apart two…
Read More