The suprapleural membrane, also called Sibson fascia, is a dome of thickened fascia over the top of each lung. It stretches from the transverse process of C7 to the inner border of the first rib and covers the cervical pleura, which rises into the root of the neck.
| Location | At the thoracic inlet, over the apex of each lung. |
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Protects and stabilises the cervical pleura and resists pressure changes at the thoracic inlet.
Because the lung apex and its membrane rise above the clavicle, needles placed in the lower neck, such as for subclavian or jugular lines and supraclavicular nerve blocks, can puncture it and cause a pneumothorax. It also keeps the lung apex from bulging into the neck during breathing.
Accidental puncture of the suprapleural membrane and cervical pleura during line insertion or nerve block, letting air into the pleural space.
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