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ILLUMINATIONS

A simple model for understanding cohesive forces of the intrapleural space

Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 E-mail: sdicarlo{at}med.wayne.edu

The concept and physiological significance of the cohesive forces of the intrapleural space are often difficult for students to grasp. To help students understand this concept, a simple model is often utilized. Students are told that the outer surface of the lung is lined with a membrane called the visceral pleura, and the inside of the thorax is lined with a membrane called the parietal pleura. These pleural membranes juxtapose to form a pleural sac around the lung. The space within the pleural sac contains a few milliliters of fluid. The intrapleural fluid holds the visceral and parietal pleura together. The model utilized to facilitate the understanding of this concept is two microscope slides with a few droplets of water placed between them. The slides move easily over one another horizontally; however, it is very difficult to pull them apart perpendicularly. Similarly, intrapleural fluid creates a slippery surface, allowing the lungs to slide within the chest against the thoracic wall. In addition, when the chest expands during inspiration, the lungs are compelled to follow so that the lungs and chest expand as a single unit. Thus, when the diaphragm contracts and increases thoracic volume, the lung slides against the thoracic wall and lung volume increases by a similar amount. Students’ eyes light up when these concepts are illustrated with this simple model.

This article has been cited by other articles:

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This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Web of Science (3) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rodenbaugh, D. W. Articles by Dicarlo, S. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rodenbaugh, D. W. Articles by Dicarlo, S. E.