Thorax, Lungs and Pleura

Question 1

What is important about the left and right pleural cavities of the thoracic cavity?

Answer 1

They are independent of each other, contain the lungs and separated by mediastinum

Question 2

Parietal pleura and topography

Answer 2

lines pleural cavity; defined by costal, diaphragmic, mediastinal and cervical pleura on sides of parietal pleura

Question 3

parietal recesses

Answer 3

regions of space where lung fails to fill pleural cavity; during deep inspiration, lung parenchyma never completely fills recesses

Question 4

costodiaphragmatic recesses

Answer 4

between costal pleura and diaphragmatic pleura; will be visible radiographically when there is excess pleural fluid (pneumothorax)

Question 5

costomediastinal recess

Answer 5

greater space on left side than the right due to smaller lung on left/heart on left; needle can be inserted into pericardial cavity or heart needs to avoid puncturing this recess (pnemothorax will occur)

Question 6

costal pleura innervation

Answer 6

T1-T12

Question 7

Peripheral diaphragmatic pleural innervation and referred pain

Answer 7

lower intercostal nerves; pain from irritation can be referred to lateral thoracic and anterior abdominal walls (lower intercostal nerves innervate those regions as well)

Question 8

central diaphragmatic and mediastinal pleura innervation and referred pain

Answer 8

phrenic nerve (C3-C5); pain referred to neck/shoulder

Question 9

pulmonary ligament location

Answer 9

from mediastinal hilus to base; formed when parietal pleura of ant/post walls of thoracic cavity is reflected off mediastinal wall toward lungs

Question 10

Visceral pleura location

Answer 10

from pulmonary ligament surrounding lungs (continuous with parietal)

Question 11

intrathoracic cavity and pathologies

Answer 11

potential space between parietal and visceral pleural layers; if air, blood or fluid, would cause pneumothorax, hemothorax and hydrothorax

Question 12

pleural fluid and purpose

Answer 12

provides lubrication between parietal/visceral pleura for easy sliding and high surface tension (negative pressure to keep lungs inflated)

Question 13

pneumothorax

Answer 13

thoracic wound, spontaneous rupture of pulmonary bulla (bubble), tear of abnormally fused pleurae, piercing of pleural cavity—>let air in will decrease surface tension—>lung collapse

Question 14

mediastinal flutter

Answer 14

when sternum moves due to lung collapse–>can interfere with gas exchange—>dyspnea and cyanosis because ventillation rate is almost zero while cardiac output is still normal

Question 15

Which lung has higher capacity and why?

Answer 15

the RIGHT lung because left it is wider due to offset of heart (even though it is shorter due to liver)