Anatomy of the Lungs and Pleura Quiz

The pleura surrounds the lungs and acts as a protective membrane.

The pleura consists of the parietal layer and the visceral layer.

The diaphragmatic parietal pleura is continuous with the costal parietal pleura at the costodiaphragmatic reflection.

The pleural cavity is a potential space between the visceral and parietal pleura. It contains a layer of serous fluid that reduces friction and provides cohesion between the lung and thoracic wall.

The two types of pleura are the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the inner surfaces of the walls of the pleural cavity.

The parietal pleura is sensitive to pain, while the visceral pleura is not.

The trachea bifurcates at the level of the sternal angle. The primary bronchi are the two branches that result from the tracheal bifurcation, with the right primary bronchus being wider, shorter, and more vertical, and the left primary bronchus passing inferior to the arch of the aorta and anterior to the esophagus and thoracic aorta.

The costal parietal pleura is continuous anteriorly with the mediastinal parietal pleura at the costomediastinal reflection, posteriorly with the mediastinal parietal pleura at the vertebral bodies, inferiorly with the diaphragmatic parietal pleura at the costodiaphragmatic reflection, and superiorly with the cervical parietal pleura at the level of the 1st rib.

The cupula is the top of the lung and is a serous membrane lining the pleural cavity. It extends above the level of the 1st rib into the root of the neck. It is also known as the cervical parietal pleura or cervical dome of pleura.

The pleural sac and recesses extend to the 8th rib in the midclavicular line, 10th rib in the midaxillary line, and 12th rib at the medial scapular/paravertebral line.

The function of the pleura is to surround and protect the lungs.

The mediastinal pleura is continuous superiorly with the diaphragmatic parietal pleura and extends along the inferomedial borders of the pleural cavities.

The pleural space is filled with a small amount of serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces.

The visceral pleura is located on the surface of the lungs.

The diaphragmatic parietal pleura is a serous membrane lining the pleural cavity on the superior surface of the diaphragm.

The pleura is derived from the embryonic coelomic lining.

The diaphragmatic parietal pleura is continuous superiorly with the costal parietal pleura at the costodiaphragmatic reflection.

The pleura allows for smooth and frictionless movement of the lungs during respiration.

The visceral pleura covers the surface of the lungs, while the parietal pleura lines the walls of the pleural cavity.

The mesothelial lining is a thin layer of cells that covers the pleural surfaces.

mediastinal parietal pleura at the costomediastinal reflection

mediastinal parietal pleura at the vertebral bodies

diaphragmatic parietal pleura at the costodiaphragmatic reflection

cervical parietal pleura at the level of the 1st rib

costal and mediastinal parietal pleurae

Sibson's fascia or suprapleural membrane

costomediastinal recess and costodiaphragmatic recess

pleural sac

pleural sac

pleural sac

pleural cavity

Reduces friction and provides cohesion between the lung and thoracic wall

visceral pleura

parietal pleura

parietal pleura

Apical surface, costal surface, mediastinal surface, and diaphragmatic surface

carina

intercostal nerve

phrenic nerve

no innervation needed

Visceral pleura and parietal pleura

To protect and lubricate the lungs during respiration

Serous fluid

Intercostal nerves

Derived from embryonic coelomic lining

To allow smooth movement of the lungs during breathing

The parietal pleura is sensitive to pain, while the visceral pleura is not

Pleural sac and pleural recesses

Mediastinal pleura

Autonomic nerves

The cupular pleura is a serous membrane lining the pleural cavity which extends above the level of the 1st rib into the root of the neck. Its function is to provide a continuous lining of the pleural cavity and reinforce the inferior border of the pleura.

The pleural sac and recesses extend to the 8th rib in the midclavicular line, 10th rib in the midaxillary line, and 12th rib at the medial scapular/paravertebral line.

The potential space between the apposing surfaces of the costal and diaphragmatic parietal pleura is called the costodiaphragmatic recess.

The potential space between the apposing surfaces of the costal and mediastinal parietal pleura is called the costomediastinal recess.

Pneumothorax is the presence of free air or gas in the pleural cavity, which can lead to the collapse of the ipsilateral lung due to pressure change and disruption of surface tension. It can also cause mediastinal shifts.

Secondhand smoke is a risk factor for developing lung cancer, including both emphysema and cancer.

The costal parietal pleura is continuous anteriorly with the mediastinal parietal pleura at the costomediastinal reflection.

The costal parietal pleura is continuous posteriorly with the mediastinal parietal pleura at the vertebral bodies.

The costal parietal pleura is continuous inferiorly with the diaphragmatic parietal pleura at the costodiaphragmatic reflection.

The costal parietal pleura is continuous superiorly with the cervical parietal pleura at the level of the 1st rib.

The two types of pleura are visceral pleura, which covers the lungs, and parietal pleura, which lines the inner surfaces of the walls of the pleural cavity.

The pleural space is a potential space between the visceral and parietal pleura. It contains a capillary layer of serous fluid produced by the mesothelium, which reduces friction and provides cohesion between the lung and thoracic wall.

The trachea bifurcates at the level of the sternal angle. The primary bronchi are the right primary bronchus and the left primary bronchus.

The pleura serves as a serous membrane lining the pleural cavity. It reduces friction, provides surface tension for cohesion between the lung and thoracic wall, and helps maintain the shape and position of the lungs.

The parietal pleura is sensitive to pain, while the visceral pleura is not.

The surfaces and structures of both lungs are called the apical surface, costal surface, mediastinal surface, and diaphragmatic surface.

The pleura plays a role in respiration by maintaining the shape and position of the lungs, allowing for smooth and frictionless movement during breathing.

The pleura has a mesodermal origin.

The costal parietal pleura is innervated by intercostal nerves.

The visceral pleura does not have innervation.