Pleural effusion

There is a latent cavity between the visceral and parietal layers of the pleura, called the pleural cavity. Under normal circumstances, the width between the two layers of the pleural cavity is about 10 to 20 mu; m, which contains serous fluid, about 0.1 to 0.2 ml per kilogram of body weight. It is usually colorless, transparent, and functions to lubricate the pleura. Resorption is in equilibrium. Any increase in exudation and / or decrease in reabsorption causes any accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity and the formation of pleural effusion.