The pleura

Question 1

what volume of pleural fluid is within the pleural cavity?

Answer 1

2-3ml

Question 2

what is the dynamic turnover of pleural fluid?

Answer 2

30-75% / hour

Question 3

what type of cells makes up the pleura?

Answer 3

mesothelial cells

Question 4

what makes up the pleura?

Answer 4

2 layers

each made of a single layer of mesothelial cells and sub pleural connective tissue

Question 5

what is the net movement of flow from the pleura?

Answer 5

net movement of flow is out of the pleural cavity into the visceral pleura
this is because the systemic arterial pressure which is driving fluid into the pleural cavity in the direction of the visceral pleura is higher than the pulmonary arterial pressure which is driving fluid into the pleural cavity in the direction of the parietal pleural

Question 6

the pleura lies over the spleen, liver and kidneys.

why is this significant?

Answer 6

when taking spleen, liver or kidney biopsy you need to be aware of the pleura so you don’t rupture it resulting in a pneumothorax

Question 7

what rib does the pleura in the mid clavicular line extend to?

Answer 7

rib 8

Question 8

what rib does the pleura in the mid axillary line extend to?

Answer 8

rib 10

Question 9

what rib does the pleura extend to posteriorly?

Answer 9

rib 12