Definition of pleura
pleurae
play \ˈplu̇r-ˌē, -ˌī\ orpleuras
: the delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and is folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side
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Origin and Etymology of pleura
Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Greek, rib, side
First Known Use: 15th century
Medical Dictionary
pleura
playMedical Definition of pleura
pleurae
\ˈplu̇r-ē\play orpleuras
: either of a pair of two-walled sacs of serous membrane each of which lines one lateral half of the thorax, has an inner visceral layer closely adherent to the corresponding lung, is reflected at the root of the lung to form a parietal layer that adheres to the walls of the thorax, the pericardium, the upper surface of the diaphragm, and adjacent parts, and contains a small amount of serous fluid that minimizes the friction of respiratory movements
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