Asked by Sarah Pullium on Jun 20, 2024
Verified
Which of the following statements is true regarding the normal mechanism of ventilation?
A) There must be a continuous column of air from the pharynx to the alveoli.
B) The lungs must lie within a sealed-off thoracic cavity.
C) The inner and outer pleural membranes must be separated by a thin film of fluid.
D) The diaphragm, when contracted, will be lowered.
E) All of the answer choices are true.
Pleural Membranes
Thin layers of tissue that envelop the lungs and line the interior wall of the chest cavity, facilitating smooth movement of the lungs during breathing.
Ventilation
The process of moving air in and out of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange with the internal environment, particularly to remove carbon dioxide and bring in oxygen.
Thoracic Cavity
An anatomical space located within the chest, bounded by the ribs, sternum, and diaphragm, housing the lungs and heart.
- Clarify the functional systems that support the act of breathing.
Verified Answer
AP
Aurora PattersonJun 23, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
All of the answer choices are true. A continuous column of air is necessary to maintain pressure gradients for air to flow, the lungs are enclosed in the thoracic cavity to allow for negative pressure breathing, the pleural membranes need to be separated to prevent friction during breathing, and the contraction of the diaphragm causes it to lower, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and facilitating inhalation.
Learning Objectives
- Clarify the functional systems that support the act of breathing.