Pleural space

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 2 Oct 2024

The pleural or intrapleural space is the fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pleura 2. It contains only a small amount of serous pleural fluid in normal conditions.

Variant anatomy

Rarely, there may be an anomalous communication of the right and left pleural spaces anteriorly (see: buffalo pneumothorax ).

Related pathology

A pleural effusion is the pathological accumulation of pleural fluid, and when infected becomes an empyema

The pleural space can also be affected by a number of malignancies:

When air leaks into the pleural space, a life threatening pneumothorax may develop.

:

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.