Intrapleural

Intrapleural refers to the space located within the pleura, which is the thin, moist, slippery membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest wall. The intrapleural space is filled with a small amount of fluid that helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as the lungs breathe air in and out.

Anatomy

The pleura is a serous membrane which folds back onto itself to form a two-layered, pleural membrane. The outer pleura (parietal pleura) is attached to the chest wall. The inner pleura (visceral pleura) covers the lungs and adjoining structures, via blood vessels, bronchi and nerves. The thin space between the two pleural layers is known as the intrapleural space and is filled with pleural fluid. This fluid lubricates the two surfaces, allowing them to slide over each other without friction, facilitating respiratory movements.

Clinical Significance

Intrapleural space is clinically significant as it can be the site of certain medical conditions such as:

• Pleural effusion: This is a condition where excess fluid builds up in the intrapleural space.
• Pneumothorax: This is a condition where air or gas accumulates in the intrapleural space, causing the lung to collapse.
• Hemothorax: This is a condition where blood accumulates in the intrapleural space.

These conditions can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. They are typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan and are often treated with procedures that drain the excess air or fluid from the intrapleural space.

See Also

• Pleura
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Hemothorax

References

Intrapleural Resources
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