Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

ESA 3 - Respiratory > Session 1.1i - TeachMeAnatomy - Thoracic Pleurae > Flashcards

Session 1.1i - TeachMeAnatomy - Thoracic Pleurae Flashcards

https://teachmeanatomy.info/thorax/organs/pleurae/

1
Q

What do the pleurae refer to?

A

The SEROUS MEMBRANES that line the lungs and thoracic cavity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What do the pleural line?

A

The lungs and thoracic cavity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the function of the pleurae?

A

They permit efficient and effortless respiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How many pleurae do we have in the thoracic cage>?

A

There are two pleurae in the body - one covering each lung.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the structure of the pleurae?

A

They consist of a SEROUS MEMBRANE

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What type of cells is the serous membrane?

A

A layer of simple squamous cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the structure of the serous membrane?

A

A layer of simple squamous cells, supported by connective tissue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the simple squamous epithelial layer in the pleura known as?

A

The mesothelium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the mesothelium?

A

The simple squamous epithelial layer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How can the pleura be divided?

A

Into two parts:

  • VISCERAL PLEURA
  • PARIETAL PLEURA
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What does the visceral pleura cover?

A

The outer surface of the lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which pleura covers the lungs?

A

The VISCERAL PLEURA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the parietal pleura?

A

It covers the internal surface of the thoracic cavity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which pleura covers the internal surface of the thoracic cavity?

A

PARIETAL PLEURA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Where are the two pleura continuous with each other?

A

At the HILUM of each lung.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is between the visceral and parietal pleura?

A

A POTENTIAL SPACE, known as the pleural cavity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which pleura is thicker?

A

The parietal pleura is thicker than the visceral pleura

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How can the parietal pleura be subdivided?

A

According to the part of the body that it is contact with:

  • MEDIASTINAL PLEURA
  • CERVICAL PLEURA
  • COSTAL PLEURA
  • DIAPHRAGMATIC PLEURA
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the mediastinal pleura?

A

Covers the lateral aspect of the mediastinum (the central component of the thoracic cavity, containing a number of organ)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Which aspect of the mediastinum does the mediastinal pleura cover?

A

The lateral aspect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the mediastinum?

A

The central component of the thoracic cavity, containing a number of organ.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the cervical pleura?

A

Lines the extension of the pleural cavity into the neck.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the costal pleura?

A

Covers the inner aspect of the ribs, costal cartilages, and intercostal muscles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the diaphragmatic pleura?

A

Covers the thoracic (superior) surface of the diaphragm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is the superior surface of the diaphragm known as?

A

The thoracic surface

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where does the visceral pleura extend into?

A

The interlobar fissures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Where do structures enter and leave the lung?

A

At the HILUM of each lung

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What happens at the hilum of each lung?

A

This is where structures enter and leave the lung.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What does the pleural cavity contain?

A

A small volume of serous fluid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the function of the pleural cavity?

A

It contains a small volume of serous fluid, which as two major functions:

  • lubrication
  • surface tension
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Describe the lubrication of the serous fluid.

A

The serous fluid in the pleural cavity lubricates the surfaces of the pleurae, allowing them to slide over each other.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Describe what happens to the surface tension produced by the serous fluid.

A

The serous fluid also produces a surface tension, pulling the parietal and visceral pleura together.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the function of the surface tension produced by the serous fluid?

A

This ensures that when the thorax expands, the lung also expands, filling with air.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What happens if air enters the pleural cavity?

A

The surface tension is lost (so the lung collapses?) This is known as a pneumothorax.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the pathophysiology behind a pneumothorax?

A

Pneumothorax = air in the pleural cavity.

This means the surface tension is lost.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

The pleural cavity is not completely filled by the lungs, where?

A

Anteriorly and posteroinferiorly

37
Q

Anteriorly and posteroinferiorly, what happens to the pleural cavity?

A

It is not completely filled by the lungs.

38
Q

Anteriorly and posteroinferiorly, the pleural cavity is not completely filled by the lungs. What does this give rise to?

39
Q

What are pleural recesses?

A

Where the opposing surfaces of the parietal pleura touch (and the visceral and parietal pleura are relatively distant)

40
Q

What are the recesses present in the pleural cavity called?

A

There are two recesses present in each pleural cavity:

  • COSTODIAPHRAGMATIC
  • COSTOMEDIASTINAL
41
Q

Where is the costodiaphragmatic recess?

A

Located between the costal pleurae and the diaphragmatic pleura

42
Q

What is the space located between the costal pleurae and the diaphragmatic pleura called?

A

The COSTODIAPHRAGMATIC recess

43
Q

Where is the costomediastinal recess?

A

Located between the costal pleurae and the mediastinal pleurae, behind the sternum.

44
Q

What is the space located between the costal pleurae and the mediastinal pleurae called?

A

The COSTOMEDIASTINAL recess

45
Q

Why is it important to know about pleural recesses?

A

These recesses [costodiaphragmatic and costomediastinal] are of clinical importance, as they provide a location where fluid can collect (such as in a pleural effusion).

46
Q

In what condition can fluid collect?

A

Pleural effusion

47
Q

What is pleural effusion?

A

Build-up of fluid in the pleura.

48
Q

Is the neurovascular supply to each part of the pleura the same or different?

A

The two parts of the pleurae receive a different neurovascular supply:

49
Q

What is the parietal pleura sensitive to?

A

Pressure, pain and temperature.

50
Q

The parietal pleura is sensitive to pain, and therefore produces ___?

A

A well localised pain.

51
Q

What is the parietal pleura innervated by?

A

The PHRENIC and INTERCOSTAL NERVES.

52
Q

What is the blood supply to the parietal pleura?

A

It is derived from the INTERCOSTAL ARTERIES.

53
Q

What is the visceral pleural not sensitive to?

A

The visceral pleura is not sensitive to pain, temperature or touch.

54
Q

What does the visceral pleura detect?

A

Its sensory fibres only detect stretch.

55
Q

What is the innervation to the visceral pleura?

A

Via the PULMONARY PLEXUS

56
Q

The visceral pleural receives what innervation from the pulmonary plexus?

57
Q

What is the pulmonary plexus?

A

A network of nerves derived from the sympathetic trunk and vagus nerve.

58
Q

What is the arterial supply to the visceral pleura?

A

Arterial supply is via the BRONCHIAL ARTERIES

59
Q

What are the bronchial arteries?

A

Branches of the descending aorta

60
Q

As well as the visceral pleura, what do the bronchial arteries supply?

A

The parenchyma of the lungs.

61
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a pneumothorax commonly referred to as?

A

A collapsed lung

62
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is ‘a collapsed lung’ more traditionally known as?

A

A PNEUMOTHORAX

63
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a pneumothorax?

A

A PNEUMOTHORAX occurs when air or gas is present within the pleural space.

64
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What happens when air or gas is present within the pleural space (pneumothorax)?

A

This removes the surface tension of the serous fluid present in the space, reducing lung extension.

65
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What are the clinical features of a pneumothorax?

A
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Asymmetrical chest expansion
66
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What might you find upon percussion of a patient with a pneumothorax?

A

The affected side may be HYPER-RESONANT

67
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

Why might percussion change upon lung examination in a patient with a pneumothorax?

A

The affected side may be HYPER-RESONANT due to excess air within the chest.

68
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What are the classes of pneumothorax?

A

There are two main classes:

  • SPONTANEOUS
  • TRAUMATIC
69
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How does a spontaneous pneumothorax occur?

A

This occurs without a specific cause.

70
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How is a spontaneous pneumothorax sub-divided?

A

Into primary and secondary causes.

71
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

A

A spontaneous pneumothorax with no underlying respiratory disease

72
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax?

A

A spontaneous pneumothorax with underlying respiratory disease present.

73
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a traumatic pneumothorax?

A

This occurs as a result of blunt or penetrating chest trauma

74
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What pathology can cause a traumatic pneumothorax?

A

A rib fracture

75
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How can a rib fracture occur to cause a traumatic pneumothorax?

A

Often seen in road traffic collisions.

76
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How do you treat a pneumothorax?

A

Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.

77
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How do you treat a primary pneumothorax?

A

These tend to be small and generally require minimal intervention.

78
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How do you treat a secondary pneumothorax?

A

This may require decompression to remove the extra air/gas in order for the lung to reinflate

79
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How do you treat a traumatic pneumothorax?

A

This may require decompression to remove the extra air/gas in order for the lung to reinflate

80
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is the function of decompression in patients with a secondary/traumatic pneumothorax?

A

Removes extra air/gas in order for the lung to reinflate

81
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

How is decompression achieved in secondary/traumatic pneumothorax?

A

This is achieved via the insertion of a CHEST DRAIN.

82
Q

(Clinical Relevance: Pneumothorax)

What is a chest drain used for?

A

To remove extra air/gas in the lung, in order for it to reinflate.

83
Q

Fig. 1

Label and caption the image

A
  • Cervical
  • Costal
  • Mediastinal
  • Diaphragmatic

The parts of the parietal pleurae.

84
Q

Fig. 2

Label and caption the image

A
  • Parietal pleural
  • Visceral pleural
  • Pleural cavity
  • Lung hilum

The parietal and visceral pleura, and the pleural cavity. Note how the two layers of pleura are continuous at the hilum of the lung.

85
Q

Fig. 3

Caption the image.

A

Radiographic appearance of a left pneumothorax

86
Q

The pleural membranes are comprised of what type of epithelium?

A. Simple squamous
B. Pseudostratified columnar ciliated
C. Simple cuboidal
D. Transitional

A

A. Simple squamous

The pleura consist of a layer of simple squamous cells, supported by connective tissue. This simple squamous epithelial layer is also known as the mesothelium.

87
Q

Air inside the pleura describes what condition?

A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Pneumonia
D. Ascites

A

B. Pneumothorax

88
Q

Visceral pleura is sensitive to which of the following?

A. Pain
B. Temperature
C. Stretch
D. Touch

A

C. Stretch

ESA 3 - Respiratory (28 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions