Hydrothorax affects which part of the body?

Hydrothorax refers specifically to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs. This condition can interfere with normal lung function by limiting the space available for lung expansion and causing respiratory distress. Understanding hydrothorax is important for those in the field of mortuary science, as it can have implications for embalming and post-mortem examinations, particularly in cases that may involve pulmonary issues.

The other choices pertain to different bodily systems: the heart is involved in the cardiovascular system, the brain is part of the central nervous system, and the lymphatic system is involved in fluid balance and immune function. Each of these systems has its own common ailments, but hydrothorax is distinctly characterized by its impact on the pleural cavity.