The term "pleura visceralis" refers to the inner layer of the membrane surrounding the lungs. Its pronunciation is /ˈplʊrə vɪˈsɛrəlɪs/. The word pleura is pronounced with a short "u" sound, as in "pluh-rah." Visceralis is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and with a soft "c" sound, as in "vi-SEH-ruh-lis." The IPA phonetic transcription helps to accurately represent the sounds of the word, making it easier for speakers of different languages and dialects to understand its pronunciation.
The term "pleura visceralis" refers to a specific anatomical structure within the thoracic cavity, specifically in the lungs. The pleura visceralis is the inner layer of the double-layered membrane known as the pleura. It is the membrane that covers and surrounds the lungs.
The pleura is composed of two layers, the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. The pleura visceralis, also known as the visceral pleura, is the inner layer that directly covers the surface of the lungs. This layer is continuous with the parietal pleura, which lines the walls of the thoracic cavity. The pleura viscerales is formed by a thin layer of mesothelial cells that cover the lung tissue, providing protection and support.
The primary function of the pleura visceralis is to reduce friction between the lungs and the ribcage, allowing for smooth and easy movement during respiration. It also helps create a sealed compartment around the lungs, maintaining their shape and assisting in proper lung expansion and contraction during breathing.
Overall, the pleura visceralis plays a crucial role in the respiratory system by protecting the lungs, facilitating breathing movements, and maintaining lung function.
P. Pulmonalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pleura visceralis" originates from Latin.
- "Pleura" comes from the Latin word "plēra", which means "side" or "ribs".
- "Visceralis" also derives from Latin, specifically from the word "viscus", which refers to the internal organs.
In anatomical terms, the "pleura" refers to the serous membrane that lines the lungs and the chest cavity. The "visceralis" part denotes that it is the portion of the pleura that is closely attached to the lungs, covering their outer surface.