Function
The lung undergoes large volume changes during a breathing cycle. During inspiration (inhalation) it expands, while during expiration (exhalation) it becomes smaller. Due to its smooth surface and secretion of fluid, the pleura allows the lung to slide smoothly during its volume changes.
In various diseases, the pleura can become roughened or the pleural leaves can become sticky, which can result in breathing difficulties. The negative pressure in the pleural gap, the space between the two pleural leaves, is also essential for adequate lung development. When inhaled, the thorax widens and the diaphragm sinks downwards.
Due to the negative pressure in the pleural gap, the lung follows this expansion of the thorax and can thus be filled with air. In the case of a pneumothorax, which is accompanied by an injury to the pleura, this negative pressure is lost and the lung shrinks. Depending on the size of the defect, significant breathing difficulties result.
In the worst case, a tension pneumothorax develops. This means that the leak in the pleura allows air from the outside to enter the thoracic cavity, but no air can escape. There is thus a kind of valve mechanism and the thorax “pumps” itself up with air more and more, resulting in rapid compression of the lung with massive breathing difficulties. A tension pneumothorax is a clinical emergency.
Other clinical aspects
In the case of pleural effusion, fluid accumulates in the pleural gap. It is usually found in the recessus costodiaphragmaticus and can be diagnosed there by means of an X-ray image. Depending on its extent, a pleural effusion can lead to a significant impairment of breathing.
In addition, it is often an indication of another disease, such as a pleural effusion. It is important to puncture above the edge of the rib, since the nerves and vessels run along the lower edge of the rib.
- Inflammation or an
- Tumor.
