Part 8: Pleura

Question 1

What is the pleura?

Answer 1

Membrane of fibrous tissue surfaced by single layer of very flat cells (mesothelium) to make it slippery. Has parietal and visceral layer

Question 2

What is the pulmonary ligament?

Answer 2

Not a ligament!
Extension of parietal pleura inferior to lung root which provides deep space allowing for movement of lung root during respiration and expansion of pulmonary vessels

Question 3

What is the nerve supply of pleura?

Answer 3

Parietal pleura - Intercostal nerves over costal elements, phrenic nerves over diaphragm
visceral pleura has only autonomic supply

Question 4

What are the lateral and superior markings for parietal pleura?

Answer 4

Lateral - horizon of thoracic cage

Superior - 3cm above medial 1/3 clavicle

Question 5

What are the surface markings for medial pleura and its reflections?

Answer 5

Descends at sternal angle
Vertically down to 4th CC, R continues down, L descends lateral over heart
6th CC - each turns more lateral
8th CC - crosses midclavicular line
10th CC - cross midaxillary line = costodiaphragmatic recess
Crosses the 12th rib at lateral border of erector spinae