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Why does the lung collapse if intrapleural pressure is not maintain?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Inspiration happens when the pressure inside the lungs is lower than the atmospheric pressure (outside) and air rushes into the lungs. Expiration is when the air inside the lungs is higher than the atmospheric pressure and the air rushes out of the lungs. If the intrapleural pressure (pressure within the pleura of the lungs) isn't maintained then the pressure in the lungs can't differentiate between inspiration and expiration and so the lung collapses.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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If air enters the intrapleural space?
The lung will collapse (atelectasis) because the negative intrapleural pressure gradient that keeps the lung inflated has is now at equilibrium with atmospheric pressure.
What happens if intrapleural pressure equal atmospheric pressure?
The intrapleual pressure is always below atmospheric pressure. Because of the connection between the two plurae which is similar to two wet pieces of paper adhered to each other, the negative intrapleural pressure helps to expand the lungs during ventilation. If intrapleural pressure was equal to atmospheric pressure, the lungs would collapse. Such a case is seen in a penetration of the thoracic cavity (pneumothorax), where a puncture in the thoracic cavity, and subsequently the plurae, will result in a collapsed lung.
Equilibration of pressure between the intrapleural space and the alveoli will lead to?
A pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung.
What would be the effect of a pneumothorax (air in the intrapleural space) on the lungs and breathing?
The affected lung would collapse or not be able to expand fully, so lung ventilation would decrease.
What is the concept of equal pressure point?
Equal pressure point (EPP) is the point where Intrapleural pressure and Alveolar pressure are equal. This is similar to the Starling resistor concept in the lung. Instead of flow being determined by the difference between alveolar and mouth pressure- flow is determined by the difference between alveolar and Intrapleural pressure difference. In forced expiration, both intrapleural pressure and alveolar pressure will increase. However alveolar pressure will decrease along the length of the airway until a pressure of zero at the mouth, whereas intrapleural pressure will remain the same. Therefore there will be a point where intrapleural pressure will be equal and subsequently greater than alveolar pressure. If the EPP occurs in the larger cartilaginous airways, the airway remains open. However, if the EPP is in the smaller airways, it will collapse. Increasing the force of expiration does not overcome EPP since it will increase both alveolar and intrapleural pressure. Another interesting concept is that EPP moves distally as expiration progresses because as air leaves the alveolar unit, the pressure in the alveolar decreases hence the pressure in the airway decreases as well. EPP is the cause of dynamic airway compression.
What is normal intrapleural pressure?
well, first of all the left lung at a certain point in history compresses until its hard to breath and the right lung at this point expands. This is unatural.
What will happen if blood enters the plural cavity?
Pressure on the lung leading it to collapse
In a human puncture of the thoraic wall but not of the lungs itself will cause?
As the pressure increases in the space between the chest wall and the lungs from an influx of blood, the collapse of the lung due to a relatively low pressure (within the lung) will occur.
What attaches the lungs to the inner chest wall?
The answer is a vacuum. It is called the intrapleural space and is the negative pressure inside the thoracic cavity between the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura. When a person looses this pressure due to an injury and air comes into this space, they are said to have a collapsed lung.
What is the name for a collapse lung?
atelectasis
What is the main reason for respiration?
The main reason for respiration is the difference between the pressure in lungs and out side the body. In order to maintain equal pressure in and out,we inhale. This increases the lung pressure,so again in order to maintain equal pressure we exhale! This is how respiration takes place.
What is a pneumothorax?
It is a partial lung collapse, due to an air pocket on the outside of the lung, which pushes against the lung.
