General Information

Pleural and Peritoneal Fluid

• Cavities – Pleural and Peritoneal
• Formed by thin membrane that forms a double layer of protection
• Visceral layer — layer covering the organs
• Parietal layer  –  lines the outer walls
• Mesothelium    –  body cavities are lined by a single layer of flat cells – the mesothelium mesothelial cells
• Normally separated by a thin layer of fluid  1- 12 ml

• In the absence of disease the fluids within a body cavities are limited to a insignificant lubricating layer that can not be aspirated. Therfore the mere presence of a fluid in any of the body cavities, and especially a quantity of fluid sufficient for tapping, indicates a PATHALOGIC PROCESS.