Visceral Pleura

Term: Visceral PleuraDefinition: The visceral pleura is the thin, smooth membrane that covers the lungs and lines the lung fissures, facilitating smooth movement during breathing.Phonetic Pronunciation: (VIS-er-al PLOO-rah)Origin: The term "visceral" originates from the Latin word "viscera," meaning "internal organs," while "pleura" comes from the Greek word "pleuron," meaning "side" or "rib." Together, they describe the membrane covering the lung, which is an internal organ situated against the ribcage.Significance in Asbestos Context: In cases of asbestos exposure, the visceral pleura can become scarred or thickened, a condition known as pleural plaques. This condition can be an indicator of asbestos exposure and may be relevant in medical and legal assessments of asbestos-related diseases.Example Sentence: The medical report indicated that the thickening of the visceral pleura was consistent with asbestos exposure from the client's years working in a shipyard.Related Terms: Pleural Plaques, Pleura, Pleural Effusion, Mesothelium, LungNotes: - The visceral pleura is distinct from the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall. - Thickening of the visceral pleura can be asymptomatic but may be detected through imaging. - It is important not to confuse pleural plaques with more severe conditions like mesothelioma, though both can be related to asbestos exposure.