INTERPLEURAL SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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The interpleural space is a term used in anatomy to refer to the region between the two layers of the pleura, the membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. The pleura is made up of an outer layer known as the parietal pleura, which lines the inside of the chest wall, and an inner layer called the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs themselves.
The interpleural space lies between these two layers and contains a small amount of fluid, known as pleural fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant, allowing the two layers of the pleura to slide smoothly against each other during breathing movements. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the pleural cavity and assists in maintaining lung expansion.
This space is crucial for the normal functioning of the respiratory system as it helps to create and maintain a pressure gradient that allows for proper lung inflation and deflation. Any disruption in the interpleural space, such as accumulation of excess fluid or air, can lead to problems with lung expansion, compromising breathing ability. Conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax can occur when the balance of fluid or air in the interpleural space is disrupted, resulting in breathing difficulties and potential respiratory distress.
Overall, the interpleural space plays an integral role in maintaining lung function and is essential for proper respiratory mechanics.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERPLEURAL SPACE
- unterpleural space
- jnterpleural space
- knterpleural space
- onterpleural space
- 9nterpleural space
- 8nterpleural space
- ibterpleural space
- imterpleural space
- ijterpleural space
- ihterpleural space
- inrerpleural space
- inferpleural space
- ingerpleural space
- inyerpleural space
- in6erpleural space
- in5erpleural space
- intwrpleural space
- intsrpleural space
- intdrpleural space
- intrrpleural space
Etymology of INTERPLEURAL SPACE
The word "interpleural" is derived from the Latin words "inter" meaning "between" and "pleura" meaning "rib". The term "interpleural" literally translates to "between the ribs".
The word "space" is derived from the Latin word "spatium", which means "an expanse or area". It is commonly used in English to refer to a particular area or gap between objects.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "interpleural space" can be understood as a combination of "between the ribs" and "area", referring to the region or gap between the pleural membranes surrounding the lungs that lie between the ribs.
