Pleural cavity Health Dictionary

Pleural Cavity: From 2 Different Sources


The normally restricted space between the parietal and the visceral PLEURA, which slide over one another as the individual breathes in and out. If gas or ?uid are introduced as a result of injury or infection, the pleural surfaces are separated and the pleural space increases in volume. This usually causes breathing diffculties.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
the space between the visceral and parietal *pleura, which is normally very small as the pleural membranes are in close contact. The introduction of fluid (pleural effusion) or gas separates the pleural surfaces and increases the volume of the pleural space.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Gastrovascular Cavity

The digestive system of the cnidarian, consisting of the stomach and its connecting canals which perform a similar task to vascular system of higher orders.... gastrovascular cavity

Cavity, Dental

A hole in a tooth, commonly caused by dental caries (see caries, dental).... cavity, dental

Pleural Effusion

An accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura, making breathing difficult. Pleural effusion may be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart failure, cancer, pulmonary embolism, or mesothelioma.

Diagnosis is confirmed by chest X-ray.

Some fluid may be removed with a needle and syringe and examined to find the cause.

A biopsy of the pleura may also be needed.

The underlying cause is treated and fluid may be drained off to relieve breathing problems.... pleural effusion

Amniotic Cavity

the fluid-filled cavity between the embryo and the *amnion. It forms initially within the inner cell mass of the *blastocyst and later expands over the back of the embryo, eventually enclosing it completely. See also amniotic fluid.... amniotic cavity

Asbestos-related Pleural Disease

any one of a variety of conditions involving the *pleura, but not the lungs (see asbestosis), in subjects exposed to asbestos. These include the formation of pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, and pleural effusions (see oedema).... asbestos-related pleural disease

Buccal Cavity

the cavity of the mouth, which contains the tongue and teeth and leads to the pharynx. Here food is tasted, chewed, and mixed with saliva, which begins the process of digestion.... buccal cavity

Cavity

n. 1. (in anatomy) a hollow enclosed area; for example, the abdominal cavity or the buccal cavity (mouth). 2. (in dentistry) a. the hole in a tooth caused by *caries or abrasion. b. the hole shaped in a tooth by a dentist to retain a filling.... cavity

Cavity Varnish

(in dentistry) a solution of natural or synthetic resin in an organic solvent. It is used to provide a barrier against the passage of irritants from restorative materials and to reduce the penetration of oral fluids into the underlying *dentine.... cavity varnish

Cotyloid Cavity

see acetabulum.... cotyloid cavity

Glenoid Cavity

(glenoid fossa) the socket of the shoulder joint: the pear-shaped cavity at the top of the *scapula into which the head of the humerus fits.... glenoid cavity

Nasal Cavity

the space inside the nose that lies between the floor of the cranium and the roof of the mouth. It is divided into two halves by a septum: each half communicates with the outside via the nostrils and with the nasopharynx through the posterior nares.... nasal cavity

Oral Cavity

the mouth.... oral cavity

Thoracic Cavity

the chest cavity. See thorax.... thoracic cavity

Tympanic Cavity

see middle ear.... tympanic cavity



Recent Searches