Ipsilateral pleura

Term: Ipsilateral pleuraDefinition: The pleura on the same side of the body as a specific anatomical structure or disease process.Phonetic Pronunciation: (ip-sih-LAT-er-al PLEE-ruh)Origin: The term "ipsilateral" is derived from Latin, where "ipsi" means "same" and "lateralis" means "side." "Pleura" comes from the Greek word "pleurā," meaning "side" or "rib," referring to the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and envelops the lungs.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos-related cases, the term "ipsilateral pleura" is significant because asbestos exposure can lead to pleural diseases, such as pleural plaques or mesothelioma, which may affect the pleura on the same side as the initial exposure. Understanding the location of the disease is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.Example Sentence: The patient's chest X-ray showed thickening of the ipsilateral pleura, likely due to his long-term exposure to asbestos at the shipyard.Related Terms: Pleura, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, mesothelioma, asbestos exposureNotes: - The term "ipsilateral" can be contrasted with "contralateral," which refers to the opposite side. - Pleural diseases can be bilateral, affecting both sides, or unilateral, affecting only one side.