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Physiology of the pleural space
Charalampos Charalampidis1, Andrianna Youroukou1, George Lazaridis1
11 Department of Anatomy-Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alex-polis, Greece ; 2 Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, "Evangelismos" Hospital, Athens, Greece ; 3 Department of Medical Oncology, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 4 Oncology Department, "Interbalkan" European Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 5 Oncology Department, "BioMedicine" Private Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 6 Pulmonary-Oncology, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 7 Thoracic Surgery Department, "Saint Luke" Private Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 8 Surgery Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece ; 9 Pathology Department, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece ; 10 Oncology Department, "Saint Luke" Private Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The pleural cavity, crucial for lung-chest wall mechanics, involves fluid filtration and resorption. Understanding pleural space physiology is key to its function and potential inflammatory responses.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Background:
- The pleural cavity forms between weeks 4-7 of embryologic development.
- Visceral and parietal pleurae exhibit distinct vascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
- The pleura consists of mesothelial cells and underlying connective tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the physiology of the pleural space.
- To explain the mechanisms of pleural fluid dynamics.
- To highlight the role of the pleura in lung-chest wall coupling.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryologic development of the pleural cavity.
- Analysis of pleural fluid dynamics and pressure gradients.
- Examination of pleural fluid resorption pathways.
Main Results:
- Pleural fluid filtration is governed by hydrostatic and oncotic pressure gradients.
- Fluid flows along a vertical pressure gradient, influenced by hydrostatic pressure and flow resistance.
- Pleural fluid is primarily resorbed via lymphatic stomata on the parietal pleura.
Conclusions:
- The pleural space plays a vital role in mechanical lung-chest wall coupling.
- Pleural fluid dynamics involve a balance of filtration and resorption.
- Understanding pleural physiology is essential for addressing related clinical conditions.
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