Pleura
The word pleura (pronounced in English as PLOO-ruh) is from the Greek word pleura, meaning "rib," or "side." Today, it refers to the part of the mesothelium (mezz-oh-THEE-lee-um) that comprises the outer layer of the lungs. This layer allows the lungs to expand comfortably against the inner chest wall, where this layer is called the pericardium, or "heart sac."
The lungs in all mammals are actually surrounded by two plurae. The outer one attaches to the chest wall, and is called the parietal pleura. The inner one, known as the visceral pleura, is attached to the lungs themselves as well as the other internal organs (these are called visceral tissues).
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The narrow space between the visceral pleura and the actual surface of the lungs is filled with a pleural fluid, which is a transparent, pale yellowish type of mucus that acts as a lubricant. The average human has between twelve and fifteen milliliters (ml) of pleural fluid.
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that attacks these layers. Although medical science does not fully understand the mechanics of the process, current studies indicate that mesothelioma is the result of several elements including foreign toxins, genetic programming and a virus known as SV40. Asbestos fibers appear to be the catalyst that in turn causes cellular changes at the DNA level, resulting in mutations that cause the cells to become malignant. As this spreads over the lung surfaces, in constricts their ability to expand, eventually causing asphyxiation.
Interestingly, the visceral pleura is not particularly sensitive to pain; however, the parietal pleura is. Mesothelioma is prone to spreading into one�s pleural, pericardial and peritoneal linings. Because pleural fluid is produced by the lymphatic system, the cancer can also metastasize (spread) to the lymph nodes as well as other parts of the body.