Costodiaphragmatic recess
Recessus costodiaphragmaticus
- Synonym: Costophrenic recess; Costophrenic sulcus; Phrenicocostal sinus; Costophrenic angle
Definition
The inferior limit of the pleura is on a considerably lower level than the corresponding limit of the lung, but does not extend to the attachment of the diaphragm, so that below the line of reflection of the pleura from the chest wall on to the diaphragm the latter is in direct contact with the rib cartilages and the Intercostales interni. Moreover, in ordinary inspiration the thin inferior margin of the lung does not extend as low as the line of the pleural reflection, with the result that the costal and diaphragmatic pleuræ are here in contact, the intervening narrow slit being termed the costodiaphragmatic recess (phrenicocostal sinus).
