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Multiple Choice
In pneumothorax, the lung collapses because ______.
A
air enters the pleural cavity, disrupting the pressure balance
B
the alveoli fill with fluid
C
the trachea becomes blocked
D
the diaphragm contracts excessively
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy and physiology of the pleural cavity: The pleural cavity is the space between the visceral pleura (lining the lungs) and the parietal pleura (lining the chest wall). Normally, this cavity has a negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs expanded.
Recognize the role of pressure in lung expansion: The negative pressure in the pleural cavity creates a suction effect that prevents the lungs from collapsing. This pressure balance is crucial for normal breathing.
Identify what happens during pneumothorax: In pneumothorax, air enters the pleural cavity, either due to trauma (e.g., a puncture wound) or spontaneously (e.g., a ruptured lung bleb). This disrupts the negative pressure, causing the lung to collapse.
Eliminate incorrect options: The alveoli filling with fluid (e.g., in pneumonia) does not cause lung collapse. A blocked trachea would obstruct airflow but not directly cause the lung to collapse. Excessive diaphragm contraction is unrelated to lung collapse.
Conclude that the correct answer is: 'air enters the pleural cavity, disrupting the pressure balance,' as this directly explains the mechanism of lung collapse in pneumothorax.