visceral pleura

anatomy

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July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The visceral pleura is a membrane that covers the lungs. It is one of two pleural membranes, the other being the parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity. These two membranes are normally in contact, separated only by a thin layer of fluid that allows for smooth movement during breathing. The visceral pleura folds back on itself at the root of the lung to become the parietal pleura. Disorders affecting the pleura include inflammation (pleurisy), fluid accumulation (pleural effusion), and tumors like mesothelioma.1

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4 Britannica Sources

pleura
human respiratory system - Gross anatomy
pleurovisceral
human cardiovascular system - Pericardium

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human respiratory system
Gross anatomy
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 the shape of the…
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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 the shape of the…
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human respiratory system
The role of muscles
…surface of the lung (visceral pleura) and on the 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…
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…surface of the lung (visceral pleura) and on the 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…
Read More