Visceral Pleura

pleura visceralis

The visceral (pulmonary) pleura is the thin membrane tightly attached to the whole surface of each lung, dipping into the fissures between lobes. It cannot be peeled off the lung. It is continuous with the parietal pleura at the lung root.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	Covers the outer surface of each lung, including the surfaces within the oblique and horizontal fissures.
Parts	Mesothelium Submesothelial connective tissue with elastic fibres
Nerve Supply	Pulmonary plexus (autonomic, no pain fibres)
Blood Supply	Bronchial arteries
Venous drainage	Pulmonary veins Bronchial veins
Lymphatic drainage	Bronchopulmonary nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Provides a smooth, lubricated lung surface and contributes to the elastic recoil of the lung.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The visceral pleura has autonomic nerves but no pain fibres, so disease confined to the lung surface is often painless until the parietal pleura is involved. Rupture of small air blebs beneath the visceral pleura, usually at the lung apex, causes most spontaneous pneumothoraces in young people. Invasion of the visceral pleura by a lung cancer raises its stage.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Rupture of small apical blebs beneath the visceral pleura, typically in tall, thin young men and smokers. It causes sudden one-sided chest pain and breathlessness.

Visceral Pleural Invasion

Spread of a lung cancer through the visceral pleura. It worsens prognosis and upstages the tumour.

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