costodiaphragmatic recess

Pleural effusions collect in the costodiaphragmatic recess when in standing position.

It helps the lungs to expand during deep inspiration, although its role isn't as significant as the costodiaphragmatic recess, which has more volume.

Laterally and behind, the base is bounded by a thin, sharp margin which projects for some distance into the costodiaphragmatic recess of the pleura, between the lower ribs and the costal attachment of the diaphragm.

The anterior border of the right lung is almost vertical, and projects into the costodiaphragmatic recess; that of the left lung presents, below, an angular notch, the cardiac notch, in which the pericardium is exposed.

In the pleural cavity, the costodiaphragmatic recess (also called phrenicocostal sinus) is a potential space at the posteriormost tips of the cavity, located at the junction of the costal pleura and diaphragmatic pleura.

The 'inferior border of the lung is thin and sharp where it separates the base from the costal surface and extends into the costodiaphragmatic recess; medially where it divides the base from the mediastinal surface it is blunt and rounded.