What does the opposing force in the intrapleural space create?

What does the opposing force in the intrapleural space create?

• A. Positive intrapleural pressure
• B. Negative intrapleural pressure
• C. Equal pressure
• D. Neutral pressure

Answer: (B)

The opposing force in the intrapleural space creates negative intrapleural pressure. This pressure is crucial for maintaining lung expansion during the process of breathing. The intrapleural space is a potential space between the visceral pleura (which covers the lungs) and the parietal pleura (which lines the chest wall). The opposing forces come from the elastic recoil of the lungs, which tends to pull the lungs inward, and the surface tension of the pleural fluid, which also creates a tendency for lung collapse. This combination of forces results in a negative pressure in the intrapleural space relative to atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs inflated. In a healthy respiratory system, this negative pressure plays an essential role by ensuring that when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, the lungs expand and air is drawn in. Understanding that the intrapleural pressure is negative helps clarify its importance in the mechanics of ventilation, as it maintains the lung's adherence to the chest wall, allowing effective gas exchange to occur.

The opposing force in the intrapleural space creates negative intrapleural pressure. This pressure is crucial for maintaining lung expansion during the process of breathing. The intrapleural space is a potential space between the visceral pleura (which covers the lungs) and the parietal pleura (which lines the chest wall). The opposing forces come from the elastic recoil of the lungs, which tends to pull the lungs inward, and the surface tension of the pleural fluid, which also creates a tendency for lung collapse.

This combination of forces results in a negative pressure in the intrapleural space relative to atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs inflated. In a healthy respiratory system, this negative pressure plays an essential role by ensuring that when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, the lungs expand and air is drawn in.

Understanding that the intrapleural pressure is negative helps clarify its importance in the mechanics of ventilation, as it maintains the lung's adherence to the chest wall, allowing effective gas exchange to occur.