are the lungs in the  pleural cavity
parietal pleura. The serous membrane that lines the chest cavity; it extends from the mediastinal roots of the lungs and covers the sides of the pericardium to the chest wall and backward to the spine. The visceral and parietal pleural layers are separated only by a lubricating secretion. Definition: Pleura. The pleura refers to the two membranes that cover the lungs and line the chest cavity. The purpose of the pleura is to cushion the lungs during respiration. The pleural cavity is the space between these two membranes and contains pleural fluid. Diseases and Disorders. Malignant Pleural Effusion. Cancer that spreads into the pleural cavity, or the space between the lung and the chest wall, can create fluid or a pleural effusion. This process can occur from lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other types of cancers. Definition: Pleural Cavity. The pleural cavity is the space that lies between the pleura, the two thin membranes that line and surround the lungs. The pleural cavity contains a small amount of a thin fluid known as pleural fluid, which provides lubrication as the lungs expand and contract during respiration. The Cavity. There are two pleural cavities, one for each lung. There first layer is the visceral layer and that lines the lung tissue and its fissures. The second is the parietal layer and that lines the the wall of the cavity by sticking to the inner aspect of the thorax. Pleural effusion - A pleural effusion refers to a build-up of fluid in the pleural cavity. When too much fluid accumulates in this space it can interfere with the expansion of the lungs with inspiration. There are many causes, with the most common being viral infections and congestive heart failure. Pleural Cavity. Pleura is a greek word that literally means ‘side of the body.’ It was used in medieval latin and eventually took on a new and more specific anatomical meaning in the late middle form of the english language. Today it describes the two thin membranes known as the visceral and parietal pleurae that surround the lungs. Pleura, plural pleurae, or pleuras, membrane lining the thoracic cavity (parietal pleura) and covering the lungs (visceral pleura). The parietal pleura folds back on itself at the root of the lung to become the visceral pleura. In health the two pleurae are in contact. When the lung collapses, however, or when air or liquid collects between the two membranes, the pleural cavity or sac becomes apparent (see pleurisy). Pneumothorax - In a pneumothorax, air collects in the pleural cavity. It may be caused by trauma to the chest, chest surgery, and COPD among other causes. When a pneumothorax is small, it may simply be observed to see if the air is reabsorbed. [ploor´ah] (Gr.) the serous membrane investing the lungs (visceral or pulmonary pleura) and lining the walls of the thoracic cavity (parietal pleura); the two layers enclose a potential space, the pleural cavity. adj., adj pleu´ral.
Yes, the lungs are in the pleural cavity.