The cervical pleura is the uppermost part of the parietal pleura that extends into the neck region. It's a continuation of the parietal pleura that lines the chest cavity and covers the top portion of the lungs.
Understanding the Cervical Pleura
The cervical pleura, as defined by our reference, has specific characteristics:
- Extension: The cervical pleura extends upwards through the superior thoracic aperture (the opening at the top of the chest) to cover the apex of the lungs.
- Continuation: It is directly connected to the costal and mediastinal parietal pleura, forming one continuous lining.
- Shape: The cervical pleura is described as dome-shaped.
- Position: Its apex reaches approximately 3 cm above the middle third of the clavicle (collarbone).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper neck region, extending above the superior thoracic aperture. |
| Function | Covers the apex of the lungs |
| Continuity | A direct extension of the costal and mediastinal parietal pleura. |
| Shape | Dome-shaped |
| Apex | Extends approximately 3 cm above the middle third of the clavicle. |
Clinical Significance
-
Pneumothorax: Due to its proximity to the neck, the cervical pleura can be vulnerable in certain injuries, potentially leading to a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space).
-
Pleural Effusion: The cervical pleura can be involved in conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
-
Chest Tube Insertion: Understanding the precise location of the cervical pleura is crucial for accurate and safe procedures like chest tube insertion.
In summary, the cervical pleura is the superior extension of the parietal pleura that coats the apex of the lungs in the neck region, and it’s important to understand its anatomy due to its clinical relevance.
