Question

Identify the condition of the respiratory system based on the given pressures:

• Atmospheric pressure = 760 mmHg
• Intrapulmonary pressure = 757 mmHg
• Intrapleural pressure = 753 mmHg

A) The person's lungs are at rest.
B) The person has just contracted breathing muscles to inhale.
C) The person has just relaxed breathing muscles to inhale.
D) The person has just contracted breathing muscles to exhale.
E) The person just relaxed breathing muscles to exhale.

Answer 1

The person has just relaxed breathing muscles to inhale.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given pressures indicate the condition of the respiratory system based on their relationship to atmospheric pressure. In this case, the atmospheric pressure is 760 mmHg. The intrapulmonary pressure, which is the pressure within the lungs, is 757 mmHg, and the intrapleural pressure, which is the pressure within the pleural cavity, is 753 mmHg.

Based on these pressures, the correct answer is C) The person has just relaxed breathing muscles to inhale. This is because the intrapulmonary pressure is slightly lower than atmospheric pressure, indicating the inhalation phase where the diaphragm and other muscles relax, allowing the lungs to expand and air to enter.