The pleural ligament is a structure comprised of two sheets of pleura enclosing a network of connective and elastic tissue.
Composition and Structure
The pleural ligament is not a ligament in the traditional sense of connecting bone to bone. Instead, it's a specialized region of the pleura, the membrane that lines the lungs and the inner chest wall. Key components include:
- Two Layers of Pleura: These layers form the outer boundaries of the ligament.
- Connective and Elastic Tissue Network: This network lies between the two pleural layers, providing support and flexibility. According to provided references, the two sheets of pleura which comprise the ligament enclose a network of connective and elastic tissue.
Location and Connections
The connective and elastic tissue network within the pleural ligament blends intimately with surrounding structures at the hilus (the point where structures enter and exit the lung):
- Pulmonary Vessels: Connective tissue surrounding the pulmonary arteries and veins.
- Bronchi: Connective tissue around the major airways leading to the lungs.
- Esophagus: Connective tissue associated with the esophagus.
Additional Features
The following features can occasionally be found in it:
- Lymph Nodes: These nodes play a role in immune surveillance and drainage.
In summary, the pleural ligament is a structural component of the pleura consisting of two pleural layers surrounding a network of connective and elastic tissue, connecting with tissues near the lung hilus, and occasionally containing lymph nodes.
