Pleura

The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lungs, chest wall and mediastinum of mammals. It provides a physical barrier between these structures, allowing them to move without causing friction and damage to each other. Its thinness also allows for diffusion of gases between the lungs and the atmosphere, enabling respiration and protecting the lungs from dust and other particles. The pleura is a vital structure for the proper functioning of the respiratory system, thus it is important to maintain its integrity for optimal health. In cases of disease or infection, treatments such as pleurodesis and pleurectomy may be employed to achieve desired outcomes.