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

What happens to the pressure inside the lungs when lung volume decreases?

The pressure inside the lungs increases.

The pressure inside the lungs decreases.

The pressure inside the lungs becomes zero.

The pressure inside the lungs remains unchanged.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the relationship between pressure and volume in the lungs, which is explained by Boyle's Law. Boyle's Law states that pressure and volume are inversely proportional: as volume decreases, pressure increases, and vice versa.

Recognize that the lungs are part of a closed system where changes in lung volume directly affect the pressure inside the lungs. This is due to the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles during breathing.

When lung volume decreases, such as during exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, reducing the space inside the thoracic cavity. This decrease in volume leads to an increase in pressure inside the lungs.

Compare the pressure inside the lungs to the atmospheric pressure. If the pressure inside the lungs becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure, air is expelled from the lungs during exhalation.

Eliminate incorrect answer choices based on the physiological principles: The pressure inside the lungs cannot become zero or remain unchanged when lung volume decreases. The correct answer is that the pressure inside the lungs increases.