Question

air moves into and out of the lungs when: question 1 options: a) pressure differences exist between the air in the lungs and pulmonary ventilation. b) pressure differences exist between intrapulmonic pressure and atmospheric pressure. c) pressure differences exist between the air within the lungs and the intrapleural pressure. d) volume differences exist between partial pressures in the blood and tidal volume.

Answer 1

Air enters and exits the lungs due to pressure differences between the lungs and the atmosphere, governed by Boyle's law, where air flows from higher to lower pressure areas. (option a)

Step-by-step explanation:

Air moves into and out of the lungs when pressure differences exist between the air within the lungs and the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, during inhalation, atmospheric pressure is greater than intra-alveolar pressure (inside the lungs), causing air to flow into the lungs. Conversely, during exhalation, the pressure within the lungs becomes greater than the atmospheric pressure, causing air to flow out of the lungs.

This process is governed by Boyle's law, which describes the inverse relationship between volume and pressure within a closed system. As the lungs increase in volume during inhalation due to the diaphragm contracting, the pressure inside the lungs (intra-alveolar pressure) drops below atmospheric pressure, leading to air inflow. During exhalation, the lungs decrease in volume, increasing the intra-alveolar pressure and driving air out.