Pleural recesses
Recessus pleurales
Definition
A pleural recess is an anatomical region within the pleural cavity where the parietal pleura folds back on itself, creating a potential space that is not normally occupied by lung tissue during quiet respiration. These recesses allow for expansion of the lungs during deep inspiration and serve as sites where pleural fluid can accumulate. The different pleural recesses are :
Costodiaphragmatic recess: the largest and most dependent part of the pleural space, making it a common site for pleural effusions to collect.
Costomediastinal recess: particularly located on the left, is a potential space anterior to the heart and can be involved in certain pleural pathologies or procedural complications, such as during pericardiocentesis.
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