In
anatomy
Anatomy () is the branch of morphology concerned with the study of the internal structure of organisms and their parts. Anatomy is a branch of natural science that deals with the structural organization of living things. It is an old scien ...
, a potential space is a space between two adjacent structures that are normally pressed together (directly apposed). Many anatomic spaces are potential spaces, which means that they are potential rather than realized (with their realization being dynamic according to physiologic or pathophysiologic events). In other words, they are like an empty plastic bag that has not been opened (two walls collapsed against each other; no interior volume until opened) or a balloon that has not been inflated. The
pleural space, between the visceral and parietal pleura of the
lung
The lungs are the primary Organ (biology), organs of the respiratory system in many animals, including humans. In mammals and most other tetrapods, two lungs are located near the Vertebral column, backbone on either side of the heart. Their ...
, is a potential space.
Though it only contains a small amount of fluid normally, it can sometimes accumulate fluid or air that widens the space.
The pericardial space is another potential space that may fill with fluid (effusion) in certain disease states (e.g.
pericarditis
Pericarditis () is inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp chest pain, which may also be felt in the shoulders, neck, or back. The pain is typically less severe whe ...
; a large pericardial effusion may result in
cardiac tamponade
Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade (), is a compression of the heart due to pericardial effusion (the build-up of pericardial fluid in the pericardium, sac around the heart). Onset may be rapid or gradual. Symptoms typically i ...
).
Examples
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Costodiaphragmatic recess
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Pericardial cavity
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Epidural space
In anatomy, the epidural space is the potential space between the dura mater and vertebrae ( spine).
The anatomy term "epidural space" has its origin in the Ancient Greek language; , "on, upon" + dura mater also known as "epidural cavity", "e ...
(within the skull)
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Subdural space
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Peritoneal cavity
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Hepatorenal recess
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Buccal space
See also
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Fascial spaces of the head and neck
References
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Anatomy
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