parietal pleura
Last reviewed 01/2018
Parietal pleura is the outermost of the two pleural membranes; the space between both is termed the pleural cavity. It lines the thoracic cavity on each side.
It consists of a thin basal layer of fibrous tissue upon which sits a continuous layer of mesothelial cells. The cells function to secrete the lubricant lining the pleural cavity.
The parietal pleura is connected to the inside of the thoracic cavity by the endothoracic fascia.
The parietal pleura is subdivided according to the area that it covers on each side of the thorax:
- costal pleura
- mediastinal pleura
- cervical pleura
- diaphragmatic pleura
The junctions of these areas are termed the points of pleural reflection.