visceral pleura (pulmonary pleura)

Introduction

The layer investing the lungs & dipping into the fissures between the several lobes. It is continuous with the parietal pleura at the hilum of the lung, where structures comprising the root of the lung (e.g., the bronchus & pulmonary vessels) enter & leave the lung.

• cannot be dissected from the lungs

Function

• Provides the lung with a smooth, slippery surface, enabling it to move freely on the parietal pleura.

More general terms

• pleura

Component of

• thorax