intrapleurális

Intrapleurális refers to anything located or occurring within the pleural space. The pleural space is the potential space that exists between the two layers of pleura, which are thin membranes lining the lungs and the inner chest wall. The visceral pleura covers the outer surface of the lungs, while the parietal pleura lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity. Under normal physiological conditions, this space contains a thin film of pleural fluid that lubricates the surfaces, allowing the lungs to move smoothly during respiration.

Conditions that affect the intrapleurális space can have significant implications for respiratory function. For instance, an accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space is known as a pleural effusion. This fluid can be serous (hydrothorax), blood (hemothorax), pus (empyema), or chyle (chylothorax). Air accumulating in the pleural space causes a pneumothorax, leading to lung collapse. An increase in pressure within the intrapleurális cavity, often due to a tension pneumothorax, can impede venous return to the heart and cause hemodynamic instability.

Diagnostic procedures such as thoracentesis involve inserting a needle into the intrapleurális space to withdraw fluid for analysis or to relieve pressure. Surgical interventions, like pleurodesis, aim to obliterate the pleural space to prevent recurrent effusions or pneumothorax. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the intrapleurális compartment is crucial for diagnosing and managing a variety of thoracic diseases.