Intrapleural pressure is negative to maintain lung inflation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure is negative to maintain lung inflation. This negative pressure between the lungs and the chest wall is created by the opposing forces of the lungs' natural tendency to recoil inward and the chest wall's tendency to recoil outward. This negative pressure is what keeps the lungs inflated and allows for efficient gas exchange during breathing. If intrapleural pressure becomes equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure, the lungs will collapse.

Intrapleural Pressure Is Negative to Maintain Lung Inflation