Understanding the Pleural Space: Anatomy & Function

The space surrounding each lung is called the pleural space. It is a potential space, meaning that it is not normally occupied by any structures. The pleural space is lined by the visceral pleura, which is the serosal membrane that covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which is the serosal membrane that lines the thoracic cavity. The pleural space contains a small amount of fluid, called pleural fluid, which helps to lubricate the lungs and prevent them from sticking to the thoracic cavity.