16th February 2024

Pleural lining

The pleura is a thin double membrane which lines the lungs on each side. The outer membrane is called the parietal pleural; the inner is known as the visceral pleura. The parietal pleural is closely attached to the thoracic wall and the visceral pleura to the lungs. A tiny physiological space contains fluid between the two layers, which helps maintain the negative pressure for the lungs to expand. 

Somatic nerves innervate the visceral layer; hence, it is sensitive to touch, pain, temperature and pressure. The visceral layer is only sensitive to stretch due to its visceral nerve innervation.