Question

For a person unable to produce surfactant, what must their intrapleural pressure be to inhale a normal tidal volume compared to a healthy individual?

a) Higher
b) Lower
c) Equal
d) Unrelated to tidal volume

Answer 1

In individuals unable to produce surfactant, their intrapleural pressure must be lower to inhale a normal tidal volume compared to a healthy individual.

Step-by-step explanation:

In individuals unable to produce surfactant, their intrapleural pressure must be lower to inhale a normal tidal volume compared to a healthy individual.

Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs, preventing them from collapsing. Without surfactant, the inward pull from the elastic tissue of the lungs and surface tension of alveolar fluid would be greater, making it harder to expand the lungs during inhalation. Therefore, to overcome these opposing forces and inhale a normal tidal volume, the intrapleural pressure needs to be lower.

This information is based on the principles of respiratory mechanics and the effects of surfactant on lung function.