Pleura of the lungs

Inside view of pleura around lungs with detail of visceral pleura, pleural space, and parietal pleura outside of lung.

The pleura includes two thin layers of tissue that protect and cushion the lungs. The inner layer (visceral pleura) wraps around the lungs and is stuck so tightly to the lungs that it cannot be peeled off. The outer layer (parietal pleura) lines the inside of the chest wall. The very thin space between the layers is called the pleural space. A liquid, called pleural fluid, is in the pleural space. The fluid lubricates the pleural space so that the two layers of pleural tissue can slide against each other.

Current as of:
July 6, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine