Pleura
This image compares an illustration of the pleura (left) with a corresponding histological section (right). Each lung projects into an internal body cavity, the pleural cavity, and is covered by a serous membrane (serosa), called visceral pleura. A reflection of visceral pleura, the parietal pleura, lines the inside of the thoracic wall. Visceral and parietal pleura are closely apposed to each other, with a thin fluid-fluid space between them. This arrangement reduces friction during breathing and creates a vacuum (negative pressure) that allows the lungs to expand smoothly with the chest wall during inhalation. Elastin stain, 200x
Visceral pleura >
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
- Mesothelium
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
- Connective tissue layer
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
-- Collagen fibers
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
-- Elastic fibers
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
-- Blood vessels
Pleura is composed of a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) overlying a layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and elastic fibers.
Parietal pleura
Parietal pleura lines the inner walls of the thoracic cavity, diaphragm, and mediastinum. Composed of a mesothelium and a layer of loose connective tissue, it is tightly adherent to underlying structures and functions with the visceral pleura to maintain the negative pressure required for normal breathing.
- Mesothelium
Parietal pleura lines the inner walls of the thoracic cavity, diaphragm, and mediastinum. Composed of a mesothelium and a layer of loose connective tissue, it is tightly adherent to underlying structures and functions with the visceral pleura to maintain the negative pressure required for normal breathing.
Pleural space >
The visceral and parietal pleura are closely apposed to each other with a potential fluid-filled space (pleural space or pleural cavity) between them.
Alveoli
The visceral and parietal pleura are closely apposed to each other with a potential fluid-filled space (pleural space or pleural cavity) between them.
Image source >
This image was taken of a slide in the University of California, San Francisco collection.
