Intrapleural pressure
Intrapleural Pressure
Intrapleural pressure (pronounced: in-tra-pleu-ral pres-sure) is a term used in medicine and physiology to describe the pressure within the pleural cavity, the thin, fluid-filled space between the two pulmonary pleurae of each lung.
Etymology
The term "intrapleural pressure" is derived from the Latin intra meaning "within", and the Greek pleura meaning "side" or "rib". The term "pressure" comes from the Latin pressura meaning "action of pressing".
Definition
Intrapleural pressure is the pressure within the pleural cavity. Under normal conditions, the pressure is always negative, which helps to keep the lungs inflated. Changes in intrapleural pressure allow for the mechanics of breathing.
Related Terms
- Pleural cavity: The potential space between the two pleurae of the lungs.
- Pleura: The serous membranes lining the thorax and enveloping the lungs.
- Breathing: The process of taking in oxygen from the air and expelling carbon dioxide.
- Lung: Each of the pair of organs situated within the rib cage, consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which air is drawn during inhalation.
- Negative pressure: A pressure less than that of the atmosphere.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intrapleural pressure
- Wikipedia's article - Intrapleural pressure
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