What is the pleural reflection at the apex of the lung called?

• A. The cervical pleura
• B. Cupula pleurae (apical pleura)
• C. Costodiaphragmatic reflection
• D. Pleural reflection at the base

Answer: (B)

The apex of the lung sits inside a dome of parietal pleura that extends into the neck. This apical pleura, forming a curved reflection over the top of the lung, is known as the cupula pleurae (apical pleura). It’s the highest part of the pleural sac and even extends above the first rib into the neck. The term cupula pleurae emphasizes that dome-shaped reflection at the apex, though cervical pleura can be used to describe the same superior portion. In contrast, reflections at the base, such as the costodiaphragmatic reflection, occur much lower where the pleura folds between the ribs and the diaphragm.