Question 1

During inspiration, which of the following best describes the relationship between intra-alveolar pressure ($$P_{alv}) $$and atmospheric pressure ($$P_{atm}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{alv} is $$less than $$P_{atm}$$

Question 2

Which equation correctly defines transpulmonary pressure ($$P_{tp}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{tp} = P_{alv} - P_{ip}$$

Question 3

A patient suffers a pneumothorax after trauma. What happens to the intrapleural pressure ($$P_{ip}) $$and the lung?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{ip}$$ equals $$P_{atm}$$ and the lung collapses

Question 4

According to Boyle's law, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs when the volume of the thoracic cavity increases?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 5

Which muscles are primarily responsible for increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostals

Question 6

What is the main force that drives bulk flow of air during pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Pressure gradient

Question 7

During passive expiration, which of the following events occurs?

Accepted Answer

Lungs and chest wall recoil, decreasing thoracic cavity volume

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the change in intrapleural pressure ($$P_{ip}) $$during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{ip}$$ becomes more negative

Question 9

If airway resistance ($$R) $$increases due to mucus buildup, what happens to airflow ($$Flow) $$during a breathing cycle, assuming the pressure gradient remains the same?

Accepted Answer

Airflow decreases

Question 10

Which formula correctly represents the relationship between airflow, pressure gradient, and resistance in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$$Flow = \frac{P_{atm} - P_{alv}}{R}$$

Question 11

Which of the following would most likely result in active expiration?

Accepted Answer

Exercise requiring rapid and forceful breathing

Question 12

What prevents the visceral and parietal pleura from pulling apart under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Surface tension of intrapleural fluid

Question 13

During expiration, what happens to the transpulmonary pressure ($$P_{tp}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{tp}$$ decreases

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the pressure changes during the breathing cycle?

Accepted Answer

Expiration occurs when $$P_{alv} \u003e P_{atm}$$

Question 15

A climber ascends to high altitude where atmospheric pressure ($$P_{atm}) is $$lower. How does this affect the pressure gradient for ventilation?

Accepted Answer

The pressure gradient for ventilation decreases

Question 16

Which of the following is a determinant of intra-alveolar pressure ($$P_{alv}$$)?

Accepted Answer

Quantity of air in alveoli and volume of alveoli

Question 17

Which event occurs FIRST during the process of inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Neural stimulation of inspiratory muscles

Question 18

If the functional residual capacity (FRC) of the lungs increases, what is the most likely effect on intra-alveolar pressure ($$P_{alv}) at $$the end of expiration?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{alv}$$ will be equal to $$P_{atm}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why intrapleural pressure ($$P_{ip}) is $$always negative under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Opposing elastic recoils of the lungs inward and chest wall outward create a vacuum

Question 20

During active expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Pulmonary Ventilation: Forces and Mechanics in the Respiratory System

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