Definitions for visceral pleura
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word visceral pleura
pleura that covers the lungs
The portion of pleura that is attached directly to the lungs.
Each lung is invested by an exceedingly delicate serous membrane, the pleura, which is arranged in the form of a closed invaginated sac. A portion of the serous membrane covers the surface of the lung and dips into the fissures between its lobes; it is called the pulmonary pleura. The visceral pleura is derived from mesoderm. The visceral pleura is attached directly to the lungs, as opposed to the parietal pleura, which is attached to the opposing thoracic cavity. The space between these two delicate membranes is known as the intrapleural space. Contraction of the diaphragm causes a negative pressure within this space and forces the lungs to expand, resulting in passive exhalation and active inhalation. This process can be made forceful through the contraction of the external intercostal muscles, forcing the rib cage to expand and aiding to the negative pressure within the intrapleural space, which causes the lungs to fill with air.
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"visceral pleura." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2015. Web. 3 Mar. 2015. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/visceral pleura>.