Which of the following statements are true about pressure differences in the upright lung?
I.P_pl increases from lung apex to base.
II.The apical alveoli resting volume is less than at the base.
III.The transpulmonary pressure gradient is greatest at the apex.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

I. Pressure in the lung increases from the apex to the base due to the effect of gravity on the weight of the lung tissue and the air and blood within it. III. The transpulmonary pressure (the difference between the alveolar pressure and the pleural pressure) is greatest at the apex, which keeps the apical alveoli more expanded at rest compared to those at the base.

Which of the Following Statements Are True About Pressure Differences