line of pleural reflection (sternal,costal, vertebral)

Introduction

The abrupt lines along which the parietal pleura changes direction from one wall of the pleural cavity to another.

• the sternal line of pleural reflection:
• the costal line of pleural reflection:
  • sharp & occurs occurs where the costal pleura becomes continuous with the diaphragmatic pleura inferiorly
  • passes obliquely across the:
    • 8th rib in the midclavical line
    • 10th rib in the midaxillary line
    • 12th rib at its neck or inferior to it
• the vertebral line of pleural reflection:
  • round, gradual reflection where the costal pleura becomes continuous with the mediastinal pleura posteriorly
  • parallels the vertebral column, running in the paravertebral plane from thoracic vertebral level T1-T12 .

More general terms

• linea

More specific terms

• sternal line of pleural reflection

Additional terms

• pleural line (Correra line, pleural stripe)

Component of

• thorax