What is pleur-?

Pleur- is a prefix that originates from the Greek word 'pleura' which means 'side of the body'. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to the membrane that surrounds and protects the lungs known as the pleura. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall and covers the outer surface of the lungs. The two layers are separated by a thin layer of fluid that lubricates and allows them to slide against each other during breathing. Inflammation or infection of the pleura can cause pleurisy, which can result in sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other medical terms that use the prefix pleur- include pleurocentesis (a procedure to remove excess fluid from the pleural space) and pleurodesis (a treatment to prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion, or fluid buildup in the pleural space).