The lung is expanded during inspiration by the transpulmonary pressure that pulls on the lung as the chest wall expands.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transpulmonary pressure is the difference between the pressure inside the lung (alveolar pressure) and the pressure in the pleural cavity (pleural pressure). During inspiration, this pressure difference increases as the chest wall expands, creating a negative pressure that pulls on the lungs, causing them to expand and fill with air.

The Lung Is Expanded During Inspiration by the Transpulmonary Pressure