The movement of air into and out of the lungs is carried out by creating a pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere. Inspiration occurs when:
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Correct answer: Intra-pulmonary pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure
Inspiration is initiated when the pressure within the lungs (intra-pulmonary pressure) is less than the atmospheric pressure. This negative pressure gradient draws air from the outside into the alveoli.
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More Mechanism of Breathing questions
- Which of the following events occurs during the process of inspiration?
- The diaphragm is a specialized muscle that helps in the generation of pressure gradients. Its contraction increases the thoracic volume in…
- Expiration takes place when the intra-pulmonary pressure is ________ than the atmospheric pressure.
- Which muscles are primarily responsible for the relaxation phase during normal quiet expiration?
- Humans have the ability to increase the strength of both inspiration and expiration using additional muscles located in the:
- What happens to the sternum during the process of inspiration?