The Pleura

The Pleura is an important component of the respiratory system that cushions the lungs and reduces friction between the lungs, rib cage, and chest cavity. Each lung is covered by a two-layered membrane known as the Pleura. A small amount of viscous lubricant known as pleural fluid separates the layers. Pleural effusions, a collapsed lung, and cancer are just a few medical diseases that can impact Pleura. When excess fluid builds up between the pleural membranes, various techniques can drain the fluid or close the gap between the membranes.

Anatomy

Each lung has two pleurae, which are made up of a single membrane that folds back on itself to produce two layers. The pleural cavity (the space between the membranes) is filled with a thin, lubricating liquid (called pleural fluid).

The visceral Pleura of the lungs is a thin, slick membrane that covers the surface of the lungs and dips into the spaces between the various lobes (called the hilum).

The outer membrane that lines the inner chest wall and the diaphragm is the parietal Pleura (the muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities). The visceral and parietal Pleura join at the hilum, serving as the point of entry for the bronchus, blood vessels, and nerves.

Pleural fluid is secreted by mesothelial cells and is contained in the pleural cavity, also known as the intrapleural space. As the lungs inflate and collapse during respiration, the fluid permits the layers to glide over each other.

The function of the Pleura

• The Pleura’s structure is critical to breathing because it provides the lungs with the lubricant and cushioning required to inhale and exhale. 
• Pleural fluid in the intrapleural space ranges from 4 to 5 cubic centimetres (ccs), reducing friction as the lungs expand and compress. 
• The pleura fluid itself has a tiny adhesive nature that aids in drawing the lungs outward during inhalation rather than causing them to slide about in the chest cavity. 
• Pleural fluid also provides surface tension, which helps keep the lungs in place against the chest wall.
• Other organs in the body are separated by the pleurae, which prevents them from interfering with lung function and vice versa.

Conditions associated with the Pleura

The Pleura can be injured or have its function harmed by various factors. Damage to the membranes or excess pleural fluid might alter your breathing pattern and cause respiratory problems.

Pleural Effusion

• The collection of extra fluid in the pleural space is known as a pleural effusion. Breathing can be considerably hampered as a result of this.
• Pleural effusions are most commonly caused by congestive heart failure. However, there are many additional reasons, such as lung trauma or lung cancer (in which effusion is experienced in roughly half of all cases).
• A pleural effusion can be modest (just visible on a chest X-ray or CT scan) or enormous, containing several quarts of fluid.
• Chest pain, a dry cough, shortness of breath, trouble taking deep breaths, and persistent hiccups are common symptoms.

Pneumothorax:

• A pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, can occur when air builds in the pleural cavity. Chest trauma, chest surgery, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are only a few things that can cause it (COPD). 
• Crepitus, a strange crackling sound from just beneath the skin of the neck and chest, may accompany shortness of breath. 
• The term “spontaneous pneumothorax” refers to when a lung collapses for no obvious reason. 
• Males in their adolescent years who are tall and skinny are more in danger, but girls can also be affected. Smoking, connective tissue problems, and activities involving fast changes in air pressure, such as scuba diving and flying, are also risk factors.

Hemothorax

• A hemothorax is a condition in which the pleural cavity fills with blood, usually due to a traumatic injury or chest surgery; on rare occasions, avascular rupture can cause a hemothorax to occur spontaneously.
• The most common sign of a hemothorax is chest pain or heaviness. 
• A quick heartbeat, difficulty breathing, cold chills, pale complexion, and a fever, for example, are all signs that prompt medical assistance is required.

Pleurisy

• Pleurisy is a condition in which the pleural membranes become inflamed. 
• A viral infection is the most prevalent cause, although it can also be caused by a bacterial infection or an autoimmune illness like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. 
• The membrane surfaces become rough and sticky as a result of pleuritic inflammation. 
• Instead of gliding over one other, these membranes stay together, causing acute, stabbing pain with every breath, sneeze, or cough. 
• When inhaling cold air or taking a big breath, the pain can worsen. 
• It can also get worse as you move or change positions. Fever, chills, and a loss of appetite are other symptoms.

Conclusion

These membranes, divided into two parts: right and left, cover the entire lung area. The goal of this compartment is to both protect and cushion the lungs. Despite its thinness, this membrane is a key element of the lung area. Scientists are always looking for new ways to treat various illnesses and malignancies that could harm this region. Because the area is so delicate, many infection treatments come with a high level of danger. On the other hand, new approaches are being developed every day to make treating this area easier.