How much fluid can be held in one side of the chest cavity, on average?

The average amount of fluid that can be held in one side of the chest cavity is approximately 300 mL. This amount is significant because it can impact respiratory function and may necessitate medical intervention, such as draining a pleural effusion. Understanding the capacity of the chest cavity is crucial for medical professionals, particularly when assessing trauma patients or conditions that may lead to fluid accumulation, like pneumonia or heart failure. Recognizing the volume of fluid that affects the lungs helps in anticipating complications and planning appropriate treatments.