Pleural Recess

The pleural recess is an anatomical formation in the chest wall, located between the pleural cavities near the ribs. It plays an important role in ensuring the normal functioning of the respiratory system and can cause various diseases. In the article we will look at what a pleural recess is, its purpose and what complications can arise from its pathology.

The pleural recess is a depression filled with fatty or connective tissue that is located between the pleural cavities and the respiratory muscles of the sternum. The important role of the pleural recesses is that they allow the pleural cavity to expand and contract during inhalation and exhalation, respectively, and also protect the lungs from external influences. Thus, the pleural recesses ensure normal functioning of the lungs and prevent lung damage. However, certain aspects of the anatomy and physiology of the pleural recess may be the cause of the development of various diseases of the respiratory system, such as pleurisy, pneumothorax, hemothorax and others.

One of the main functions of the pleural recess is to protect the lungs. In acute respiratory tract infections (for example, tuberculosis), deformation of the pleura occurs in the form of fistulas, which open into the free pleural cavity and become a source of discharge - sputum, mucus, pus or blood. If the pressure in the pleura increases (during any inflammatory process), then air bubbles (pneumothorax) penetrate under the pleura and often accumulate in the lower parts of the costophrenic complex. Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the lower pleura and is a complication of open chest injuries. Hypertensive decompensated heart failure, accompanied by pulmonary edema, often leads to spontaneous pneumothorax. Pneumoperitoneum is another lesion where air enters the abdominal cavity through the chest wall. Almost always, such a complication occurs against the background of disorders of the hemostatic system and the accompanying oxygen starvation of tissues.

In conclusion, we can say that the pleural recesses play an important role for the normal functioning of the respiratory system. They protect the lungs from various infections and injuries, ensuring their proper functioning.