Air enters the human lungs because a. atmospheric pressure...

Air enters the human lungs because a. atmospheric pressure is less than the pressure inside the lungs. b. atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure inside the lungs. c. although the pressures are the same inside and outside, the partial pressure of oxygen is lower within the lungs. d. the residual air in the lungs causes the partial pressure of oxygen to be less than it is outside. e. the process of breathing pushes air into the lungs.

Air enters the human lungs because
a. atmospheric pressure is less than the pressure inside the lungs.
b. atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure inside the lungs.
c. although the pressures are the same inside and outside, the partial pressure of oxygen is lower within the lungs.
d. the residual air in the lungs causes the partial pressure of oxygen to be less than it is outside.
e. the process of breathing pushes air into the lungs.

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Intrapulmonary Pressure

Intrapulmonary pressure, also known as alveolar pressure, refers to the pressure within the lung's alveoli. It changes during the respiratory cycle; during inspiration, a drop in alveolar pressure below atmospheric pressure allows air to flow into the lungs, making this pressure difference fundamental to the process of ventilation.

Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the Earth's atmosphere on a surface. It plays a crucial role in respiratory function, as air flows from regions of higher atmospheric pressure into the lungs when the alveolar pressure is relatively lower during inspiration.

Pressure Gradient

A pressure gradient is the difference in pressure between two regions, which causes air to move from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure. In respiratory physiology, this concept explains how differences between atmospheric pressure and intrapulmonary (alveolar) pressure drive the flow of air into and out of the lungs during breathing.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback