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

Introduction to Lung Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology

22. The Respiratory System

Introduction to Lung Physiology

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Multiple Choice

Why do the lungs expand along with the thoracic cage during inspiration?

The pleural cavity creates a vacuum that causes the lungs to adhere to the thoracic cage.

The diaphragm pushes the lungs upward, causing them to expand.

The lungs contain muscles that contract and expand them during inspiration.

The lungs are directly attached to the thoracic cage by ligaments.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the pleural cavity: The pleural cavity is a thin fluid-filled space between the two pulmonary pleurae (visceral and parietal) of each lung. This space helps in the movement of the lungs during breathing.

Recognize the role of the diaphragm: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and reducing the pressure inside, which helps draw air into the lungs.

Identify the concept of negative pressure: The pleural cavity maintains a negative pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs expanded and adhered to the thoracic wall.

Clarify the absence of muscles in the lungs: The lungs themselves do not contain muscles to contract or expand; instead, they rely on the movement of the thoracic cage and diaphragm to facilitate breathing.

Debunk the idea of direct attachment: The lungs are not directly attached to the thoracic cage by ligaments; rather, they are held in place by the pleural cavity's pressure dynamics, which create a vacuum effect.