Organ
Parietal pleura
Pleural lining attached to the thoracic boundary
High-yield
Pain pathways differ by region: intercostal nerves serve costal and peripheral diaphragmatic pleura, while phrenic nerves serve mediastinal and central diaphragmatic pleura.
Overview
Parietal pleura lines the chest wall, diaphragm and mediastinum and extends into the lower neck. Its mesothelial surface faces the narrow pleural space; connective tissue links it to the underlying body wall.
Reference facts
- Location
- Inner thoracic wall, mediastinal sides and upper diaphragm, with a cervical dome
- Parts
- Costal, mediastinal, diaphragmatic and cervical regions
- Blood supply
- Systemic branches of nearby thoracic wall and diaphragmatic arteries
- Innervation
- Intercostal nerves to costal and peripheral diaphragmatic regions; phrenic nerves to mediastinal and central diaphragmatic regions
- Relations
- Its inferior reflection extends below the resting lung margin and forms the costodiaphragmatic recess
- Function
- Provides a sliding pleural surface and participates in fluid exchange and chest-wall coupling
Clinical correlation
Inflammation of this lining can produce pain that changes with breathing. Irritation of the phrenic-supplied region may be felt at the shoulder.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the parietal pleura located?
The parietal pleura lies inner thoracic wall, mediastinal sides and upper diaphragm, with a cervical dome.
What does the parietal pleura do?
Provides a sliding pleural surface and participates in fluid exchange and chest-wall coupling.
What are the parts of the parietal pleura?
The parts of the parietal pleura are the costal, mediastinal, diaphragmatic and cervical regions.
What is the blood supply of the parietal pleura?
The parietal pleura is supplied by the systemic branches of nearby thoracic wall and diaphragmatic arteries.