What pressures determine the direction of airflow within the respiratory tract?
A)The intratracheal pressure and intrapulmonary pressure
B)The sinus cavity pressures and the intrapulmonary pressure
C)The sinus cavity pressures and the atmospheric pressure
D)The intrapleural pressure and the intrapulmonary pressure
E)The intrapulmonary pressure and the atmospheric pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The direction of airflow within the respiratory tract is determined by the pressure difference between the intrapulmonary pressure and the atmospheric pressure. During inhalation, the intrapulmonary pressure decreases below the atmospheric pressure, allowing air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation, the intrapulmonary pressure increases above the atmospheric pressure, causing air to flow out of the lungs. Therefore, the intrapulmonary pressure and the atmospheric pressure are the key pressures that determine the direction of airflow within the respiratory tract.

What Pressures Determine the Direction of Airflow Within the Respiratory