pleurakäytävä

Pleurakäytävä, also known as the pleural space, is the potential space between the two layers of the pleura, the serous membranes that line the lungs and the inner surface of the thoracic cavity. This space is normally filled with a small amount of fluid that allows the pleurae to slide smoothly over one another during respiration. The pleural space is important for the proper functioning of the lungs, as it facilitates ventilation and protects the lungs from injury.

The pleural space is divided into two parts by the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. The two parts are the right pleural space and the left pleural space. The right pleural space is larger than the left pleural space due to the presence of the heart, which occupies a significant portion of the right side of the thoracic cavity.

The pleural space can be accessed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes through a procedure called thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows visualization of the pleural space and the lungs using a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera. Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the chest wall to access the pleural space.

Pleurakäytävä can be affected by various conditions, including pneumonia, pleural effusion, and pleural thickening. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can be caused by various conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or cancer. Pleural thickening is the abnormal thickening of the pleura, which can be caused by conditions such as asbestosis, tuberculosis, or cancer.

In summary, the pleural space is a crucial component of the respiratory system that facilitates ventilation and protects the lungs. It can be accessed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and is susceptible to various conditions that can affect its normal functioning.