Pleura / Pleurisy
The pleura is a two-layered, membranous lining of the chest cavity that covers the lungs. A slippery fluid (surfactant) coats the pleura to allow the lungs to easily slide within the chest cavity during respiration.
Tumors can develop in the pleura when a person is exposed to and inhales asbestos fibers. When the tumor is malignant, the condition is called mesothelioma. If a benign tumor develops within the pleura, due to scarring caused by asbestos, the condition is called asbestosis.
When a lung collapses (pneumothorax) and the pleural cavity becomes infected and inflamed, it causes a condition called pleurisy. This condition is extremely painful and usually requires medical attention.
Tour the Respiratory System
Pronunciation: ploor´e / PLOOR-iss-ee
Also Known As: Pleura is also called the lining of the lungs / chest cavity. Pleurisy is also called Pleuritic Chest Pain.
Common Misspellings: pluera, plora, ploura, ploora, pluerisy, plorisy, ploorisy
Examples: Mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura. Pneumothorax can cause pleurisy.
