Physiologists are researching the normal mechanisms of pleural fluid formation and absorption. They obtain healthy experimental animals with human-like pleuropulmonary anatomy and physiology. These animals are given intravenous radioisotope tracers and closely monitored to track fluid movement into and out of the pleural space. Which of the following pathways of pleural fluid turnover is most likely to be observed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Pleural fluid enters the pleural space through filtration from the systemic circulation, primarily through the intercostal microvessels of the parietal pleura, and exits through stomata in the parietal pleura that drain into the parietal pleura lymphatics.

Physiologists Are Researching the Normal Mechanisms of Pleural Fluid Formation