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AnatomyBasicsTerminology
Pleural cavity

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Pleural cavity

Author: Alexandra Osika • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD • Last reviewed: March 19, 2020

Pleura is a greek word that literally means ‘side of the body.’ It was used in medieval latin and eventually took on a new and more specific anatomical meaning in the late middle form of the english language. Today it describes the two thin membranes known as the visceral and parietal pleurae that surround the lungs.

The pleural cavity is the potential space between these two membranes that is created when the serous pleura covers the lung and folds back upon itself, leaving a small pouch or air pocket.

Key facts
Function Aids optimal functioning of the lungs during breathing
Structure Parietal pleura - attached to the thoracic wall
Visceral pleura - attached to the lungs
Pleural fluid - few milliliters of a serous fluid between the pleural layers
Borders An imaginary line that connects the following spots:
Right 6th (left 4th) rib at the anterior midline
12th rib at the scapular line
8th rib at the midclavicular line
10th rib at the midaxillary line
Reflections Vertebral reflection (posteriorly), costal reflection (inferiorly), sternal reflection (anteriorly)
Recesses Costomediastinal, costodiaphragmatic 
Clinical relations Pleuritis, malignant mesothelioma

In this article, the boundaries of the pleural cavity, the cavity itself, the pleural reflections and recesses as well as the potential pathological presentations within this region will be discussed.

Contents
  1. Boundaries
  2. The cavity
  3. Pleural reflections and recesses
  4. Pleuritis
  5. Related diagrams and images
+ Show all

Boundaries

The boundaries or border limits of the pleural cavity are marked out using the straight lines used to strategically place and measure the internal organs. All of these lines are either horizontal or vertical and originate from a specific anatomical landmark.

  • At the level of the right sixth rib and the fourth left rib at the anterior midline
  • At the level of the twelfth rib at the scapular line
  • At the level of the eighth rib at the midclavicular line
  • At the level of the tenth rib at the midaxillary line

Pleural cavity (lateral-right view)

It should be noted that during clinical practice, if a patient has quiet respiration then at the inferior border of the lungs the previously mentioned borders, save the first in the list is the same value minus two ribs. So for example at the level of the (10th - 2) 8th rib at the midaxillary line.

The cavity

There are two pleural cavities, one for each lung. The first layer is the visceral layer and that lines the lung tissue and its fissures. The second is the parietal layer and that lines the the wall of the cavity by sticking to the inner aspect of the thorax.

There are four regions of the pleura that are named according to the anatomical structure that is adjacent to it. The costal pleura lines the cavity along the ribs, the mediastinal pleura lines the cavity along the mediastinum, the diaphragmatic pleura lines the cavity along the diaphragm and finally the cervical pleura or cupula lines the dome that forms at the apex of the lung.

Keen to continue learning about the anatomy of the respiratory system ? Try our respiratory system quizzes and labeled diagrams.

Pleural reflections and recesses

A pleural reflection is a line or curvature that occurs when a fold is made so that the pleura can change direction. Posteriorly there is a vertebral reflection, inferiorly a costal reflection and anteriorly a sternal reflection.

A pleural recess is a potential smaller space or cavity created when the pleural touch one another in times of quiet respiration. These recesses are most likely to occur as a costomediastinal space or a costodiaphragmatic space.

Pleuritis

Pleuritis or pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura that line the lungs. The most common cause is a respiratory virus that secondarily affects the serous membrane. Pain when inhaling and exhaling is due to the inflamed layers of the pleura rubbing against one another. Treatment including relieving the symptoms and the underlying cause and removing any blood, air or fluid that may have accumulated in the pleural cavity.

Pleural cavity: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Show references

References:

  • Neil S. Norton, Ph.D. and Frank H. Netter, MD, Netter’s Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry, 2nd Edition, Elsevier Saunders, Chapter 22 Introduction to the Upper Limb, Back, Thorax and Abdomen, Page 582.
  • L. Eldridge MD: Pleural Cavity. About.com Lung Cancer.
  • Michael Schuenke et al., Atlas of Anatomy: Neck and Internal Organs, First Edition, Thieme, Thorax Chapter 1, 1.6 Pleural Cavity, Page 68 to 69.

Illustrators:

  • Pleural cavity (lateral-right view) - Paul Kim
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Related diagrams and images

Cavities of the body

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