Pleurae are the two thin layers of tissue that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity. When inflamed, this condition is known as pleurisy. Some synonyms for pleurae include lung membrane, pleural membrane, visceral pleura, and parietal pleura. Additionally, the term mesothelium is sometimes used to describe the tissue of the pleurae, which is an important distinction as this type of tissue can also be found in other areas of the body such as the abdomen and around the heart. Understanding synonyms for medical terminology can help patients have a better grasp on their health and communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.