[Structure and physiology of the pleura and the pleural space]

J-F Bernaudin1, J Fleury-Feith

  • 1EA3499 Histologie et Biologie Tumorale, Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie/Paris 6, Hôpital Tenon, 75970 Paris Cedex 20. jean-francois.bernaudin@tnn.aphp.fr

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Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
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