Extrapleural

/ˌɛkstrəˈplʊrəl/ adjective

Definition

Located or occurring outside the pleura, which is the membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity.

Etymology

From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'pleura' (from Greek 'pleura', meaning side or rib). Medical terminology created to distinguish between conditions affecting the pleural membrane versus surrounding tissues.

Kelly Says

Surgeons sometimes perform 'extrapleural' procedures to avoid damaging the delicate lung lining—it's the difference between operating outside versus inside that crucial membrane protecting your breathing organs.

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