Pleurae

The pleurae are two thin sacs that enclose the lungs in the chest cavity. They are made of elastic connective tissue, lined on the inside with mesothelium and filled with pleural fluid. Pleurae provide support to the lungs, protect them from mechanical damage and help to provide a medium in which the lungs can move and expand during respiration. The pleurae also play a role in the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream and are important for maintaining healthy lungs. Pleurae can become inflamed in conditions such as pleurisy and other lung-related illnesses, and can be treated through medical care.