Which type of pleura is more sensitive to pain?

• A. Visceral pleura
• B. Parietal pleura
• C. Both pleura alike in sensitivity
• D. None of the pleura are sensitive to pain

Answer: (B)

The parietal pleura is the layer of pleura that lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity and is more sensitive to pain due to its rich sensory nerve supply. It is innervated by intercostal and phrenic nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain sensations. This extensive nerve supply allows the parietal pleura to sense pain, touch, and temperature, making it more responsive to painful stimuli, such as inflammation or injury within the thoracic cavity.

In contrast, the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs, has a limited nerve supply and is not sensitive to pain in the same way. It mainly has autonomic nervous system innervation, which does not convey pain sensations effectively. This difference in innervation explains why the parietal pleura is the layer that is sensitive to pain and why patients typically report pain originating from the parietal pleura when there are issues affecting the thoracic cavity, such as pleuritis or pleurisy.