During exhalation,
A) pressure inside the lungs is less than the outside pressure.
B) pressure within the thoracic cavity decreases.
C) inside and outside pressures are equal.
D) the volume of the thoracic cavity increases.
E) the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During exhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing a decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity. This decrease in volume leads to an increase in pressure inside the lungs relative to atmospheric pressure, which forces air to flow out of the lungs. Therefore, the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases during exhalation.

During Exhalation