Lungmembranen

Lungmembranen, also known as the pleura, refers to the delicate membranes that surround the lungs in mammals. This double-layered structure consists of two main parts: the visceral pleura, which directly covers the surface of the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the inner surface of the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum. Between these two layers is a thin space called the pleural cavity, which normally contains a small amount of pleural fluid.

The pleural fluid serves a crucial function by lubricating the lung membranes, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other during respiration. This smooth movement reduces friction and facilitates the expansion and contraction of the lungs with each breath. The negative pressure within the pleural cavity also plays a role in maintaining lung inflation, preventing the lungs from collapsing.

Diseases affecting the lungmembranen can lead to significant respiratory problems. Pleurisy, for instance, is an inflammation of the pleura, often causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, which can compress the lung and impair its ability to expand. Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, happens when air enters the pleural space, disrupting the negative pressure and causing the lung to deflate. Conditions like mesothelioma, a rare cancer, can also arise from the cells of the pleura. Understanding the anatomy and function of the lungmembranen is essential for diagnosing and treating these various thoracic ailments.