The segmentation of the pygidial axis (or rhachis) and pleura is indiscernible or very weak.
The space is bounded anteriorly by the ascending aorta, posteriorly by the descending aorta, medially by the left main bronchus, and laterally by mediastinal pleura.
The visceral pleura receives its blood supply from the bronchial circulation, which is the same as the lungs.
A person with pleurisy may have inflamed layers of the pleura that make a rough, scratchy sound as they rub against each other during breathing.
Post mortem examination confirmed the presence of a malignant tumour of the pleura.
A casual link has also been established between mesothelioma, a form of cancer which occurs in the pleura or peritoneum, and exposure to asbestos dust, particularly from blue asbestos.
By 1965 the total number of known cases of mesothelioma of the pleura was 160.
Asbestosis may be the most serious of all, because it is the disease which can lead to cancer of the lung and also the pleura.
