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What happens if intrapleural pressure equal atmospheric pressure?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
The intrapleual pressure is always below atmospheric pressure. Because of the connection between the two plurae which is similar to two wet pieces of paper adhered to each other, the negative intrapleural pressure helps to expand the lungs during ventilation. If intrapleural pressure was equal to atmospheric pressure, the lungs would collapse. Such a case is seen in a penetration of the thoracic cavity (pneumothorax), where a puncture in the thoracic cavity, and subsequently the plurae, will result in a collapsed lung.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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Why is intrapleural pressure negative rather than positive?
Because the negative pressure is the major factor preventing the lungs from collapsing. If the intrapleural pressure became equal to atmospheric pressure the lungs would recoil and collapse.
What is the concept of equal pressure point?
Equal pressure point (EPP) is the point where Intrapleural pressure and Alveolar pressure are equal. This is similar to the Starling resistor concept in the lung. Instead of flow being determined by the difference between alveolar and mouth pressure- flow is determined by the difference between alveolar and Intrapleural pressure difference. In forced expiration, both intrapleural pressure and alveolar pressure will increase. However alveolar pressure will decrease along the length of the airway until a pressure of zero at the mouth, whereas intrapleural pressure will remain the same. Therefore there will be a point where intrapleural pressure will be equal and subsequently greater than alveolar pressure. If the EPP occurs in the larger cartilaginous airways, the airway remains open. However, if the EPP is in the smaller airways, it will collapse. Increasing the force of expiration does not overcome EPP since it will increase both alveolar and intrapleural pressure. Another interesting concept is that EPP moves distally as expiration progresses because as air leaves the alveolar unit, the pressure in the alveolar decreases hence the pressure in the airway decreases as well. EPP is the cause of dynamic airway compression.
How does the human body resist the atmospheric pressure?
because our body pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
What is Intrapulmonary pressure?
The intrapulmonary pressure is the pressure in the alveoli. Intrapulmonary pressure rises and falls with the phases of breathing, but it ALWAYS eventually equalizes with the atmospheric pressure.
If the pressure becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure the lung collapses?
what is the answer
What is the condition which occurs when the atmospheric pressure is equal to the vapour pressure?
boiling
What is the word for - having equal atmospheric pressure?
isoteric
What is the pressure inside the pressure cooker when closed but no heating will it be equal to atmospheric pressure or not?
The pressure inside will be the same as what the atmospheric pressure was when the lid was closed as long as no heat is added or removed.
What is pressure equal to?
Pressure = force divided by area p = F / A.
Why are you crushed by atmospheric pressure?
The force is equal to when you experience these feelings.
Why does water boil when the vapor pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure?
Because while atmospheric pressure is the greater of the two the vapour pressure of the water can not spontaneously form bubbles (ie boil).
Is the pressure inside the balloon equal to the atmospheric pressure?
Think about this: if the pressure WERE equal, what would happen in the instant when you open the neck of the balloon and whatever pressure is on the inside meets the pressure that is on the outside (atmospheric pressure)? In your experience, what DOES happen?
