Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

22. The Respiratory System

Pressure in the Lungs and Pleural Cavity

Anatomy & Physiology

22. The Respiratory System

Pressure in the Lungs and Pleural Cavity

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following pressures must remain negative to prevent lung collapse?

Intrapleural pressure

Transpulmonary pressure

Atmospheric pressure

Intra-alveolar pressure

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of pressure in the lungs: The lungs are surrounded by the pleural cavity, which contains a small amount of fluid creating a pressure known as intrapleural pressure.

Recognize the role of intrapleural pressure: Intrapleural pressure is typically negative relative to atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs expanded and prevents them from collapsing.

Differentiate between the pressures: Intrapleural pressure is the pressure within the pleural cavity, transpulmonary pressure is the difference between intra-alveolar pressure and intrapleural pressure, atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the air outside the body, and intra-alveolar pressure is the pressure within the alveoli of the lungs.

Identify the pressure that must remain negative: Intrapleural pressure must remain negative to maintain the expansion of the lungs and prevent lung collapse.

Consider the physiological mechanism: The negative intrapleural pressure is crucial for maintaining the balance between the elastic recoil of the lungs and the chest wall, ensuring that the lungs do not collapse during normal breathing.