Pleural Cavity

Pneumothorax pneuma/o = lung or air, -thorax = chest

-Accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to fully or partially collapse. -Can have an external cause, such as a stab wound through the chest wall. -Can occur when there is a lung-disease-related rupture in the pleural that allows air to leak into the pleural space.

Hemothorax hem/o = blood, -thorax = chest

-Collection of blood in the pleural cavity. -Often results from chest trauma, such as a stab wound, or can be caused by disease or surgery.

Empyema

-Collection of pus in the body cavity.

Pleurisy (aka) pleurites pleur = pleura, -isy = noun ending

-Inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that cover the lungs and line the pleural cavity. -Causes pleurodynia. -May result from trauma, tuberculosis, connective tissue disease, or an infection.

Pyothorax (aka) empyema of the pleural cavity py/o = pus, -thorax = chest

-Presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane.

Pleurodynia pleur/o = pleura, -dynia = pain

-Sharp pain that occurs when inflamed membranes rub against each other with each inhalation.

effusion

-The escape of fluid from blood or lymphatic vessels into tissues or into a body cavity.

Pleural Effusion

-The excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. -Produces a feeling of breathlessness because it prevents the lung from fully expanding.