During pulmonary ventilation, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs when the diaphragm contracts?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological changes that occur in the lungs during the process of pulmonary ventilation, specifically focusing on the effects of diaphragm contraction on lung pressure. When the diaphragm contracts, it typically increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which decreases intrapulmonary pressure, leading to air inflow.
Answer
Pressure inside the lungs decreases.
The pressure inside the lungs decreases when the diaphragm contracts during pulmonary ventilation.
Answer for screen readers
The pressure inside the lungs decreases when the diaphragm contracts during pulmonary ventilation.
More Information
When the diaphragm contracts, it descends and enlarges the chest cavity. This increase in volume leads to a decrease in pressure (according to Boyle's Law), allowing air to flow into the lungs.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that contraction of the diaphragm increases the pressure inside the lungs when it actually decreases it by increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
Sources
- Mechanics of Ventilation - SEER Training Modules - training.seer.cancer.gov
- Diaphragm and lungs: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image - medlineplus.gov
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