intrapleural
Meaning of intrapleural: Intrapleural means located within the pleural cavity, the thin fluid-filled space that surrounds each lung.
Definition of intrapleural
Intrapleural describes something located, occurring, or administered within the pleural cavity, the thin space between the two layers of pleura that line the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. A small amount of fluid normally occupies this space and allows the lung to move smoothly against the chest wall during breathing.
The term is used to describe abnormal fluid or air accumulation within this space, as in an intrapleural effusion, as well as pressure measurements, catheters, or medications placed directly into the pleural cavity for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Intrapleural findings are often evaluated with imaging and, when needed, by removing and analyzing a fluid sample.
The word specifies location within the pleural space and does not by itself indicate the cause of a fluid collection, air leak, or other finding.
Used in a sentence
A chest tube was placed to drain the intrapleural fluid collection.
Good to know
An intrapleural finding such as fluid or air is described by its location, not its cause, so terms like effusion or pneumothorax specify what has accumulated within the pleural cavity.
Word origin
Where “intrapleural” comes from
Formed from intra- (Latin, meaning "within") and pleural, from Greek pleura, meaning "side" or "rib."