Medicine Word Today

Pleural effusion: Excess fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. These membranes are called the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura wraps around the lung while the parietal pleura lines the inner chest wall. There is norm...

Fetal pleural effusion: In the fetus, excess fluid between the two membranes (the pleurae) that envelop the lungs. The pleural effusion may be unilateral (in one lung) or bilateral (in both lungs) and it may be an isolated finding in an otherwise norma...

Pleural space: The tiny area between the two layers of the pleura (the thin covering that protects and cushions the lungs). The pleural space is normally filled with a small amount of fluid.

Pleural: Pertaining to the pleura, the thin covering that protects the lungs. The term "pleural" is pronounced like "plural" (but does not have plural meanings).

Effusion, pleural: See: Pleural effusion.

Pleural effusion, fetal: See: Fetal pleural effusion.