Pleural reflection on left mid axillary line is in the following intercostal space ?
**Core Concept:** The pleura is a serous membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall and covers the lungs. The midaxillary line is a landmark used in clinical practice to locate intercostal spaces. Each intercostal space is between two adjacent ribs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **C**. The pleural reflection occurs when the pleura becomes visible on the chest wall. In the context of the question, this reflection is on the left midaxillary line. The left midaxillary line is located between the second and third intercostal spaces, and the pleural reflection appears in the second intercostal space.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The pleural reflection occurs in the first intercostal space. This is incorrect because the first intercostal space is located between the first and second ribs, not between the second and third ribs as stated in the correct answer.
B. The pleural reflection is not found in the fourth intercostal space. The fourth intercostal space is located between the fourth and fifth ribs, which is not the correct answer.
D. The pleural reflection does not occur in the sixth intercostal space. The sixth intercostal space is located between the sixth and seventh ribs, which is not the correct answer.
**Why Option C is Right:** The correct answer, **C**, is right because the pleural reflection occurs between the second and third intercostal spaces on the left midaxillary line. This is a clinically relevant landmark for identifying the pleural reflection and locating other structures in the chest.
**Clinical Pearl:** Understanding the anatomy of intercostal spaces and the pleural reflection is essential for proper clinical examination and interpretation of chest X-rays. Accurate identification of intercostal spaces aids in localization of pathologies, such as pneumothorax, and helps guide invasive procedures like pleural biopsy or chest tube placement.