Overview The diaphragm is a dome-shaped musculofibrous membrane that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and performs an important respiratory function. The diaphragm has a fibrous portion centrally (i.e., a central tendon) surrounded by a peripheral muscular portion. Major structures…
The pleura is a serous membrane consisting of two layers, the visceral and the parietal pleura. The parietal pleura covers the inner aspect of the chest wall and the diaphragm. The visceral pleura is strongly adherent to the surface of…
The chest wall provides support and protection to the various thoracic vascular and nonvascular structures. In addition, it allows the important physiologic motion of the lungs and airways. The chest wall is less rigid and more cartilaginous in children than…