How is Pascal's law used in respiratory therapy?

Answer 1

Our lungs are composed of millions of tiny alveoli, or air sacs. These sacs are connected by a network of ducts, beginning with the trachea, then separating into smaller and smaller tubes in each lung, called bronchioli. Pascal's law dictates that the pressure in each of these millions of tiny sacs is the same, and it is called the alveolar pressure.

Pascal's law is pressure transmitted rapidly and uniformly throughout an enclosed fluid at rest. So, for instance, if we contract our lower abdominal muscles with our glottis closed, the pressure in the lower part of our lungs is increased, and this change is quickly transmitted to the rest of our lungs. If the glottis is then opened, air will then rush out until the lung pressure is equal to the pressure of the surrounding air.