Pleural effusion in critically ill patients and intensive care setting

Figure 1 shows the microscopic anatomic structures of the visceral and parietal pleura and the pleural cavity through which the pleural fluid has its turnover process (formation and reabsorption). Parietal pleural microcirculation (systemic) and lymphatics, visceral pleural microcirculation (systemic and pulmonary) and lymphatics, and pleural cavity are the spaces through which the process of pleural fluid turnover is done.