Anatomy of Chest Wall and the Mechanics of Breathing

Question 1

What are the four Gas Laws and outline in detail Boyle’s Law?

Answer 1

Boyle’s Law - States that the pressure exerted by a gas in inversely proportional to its volume and as a result - gases move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure

Other Laws include Dalton’s Law, Henry’s Law and Charles Law

Question 2

Describe the visceral pleural membrane

Answer 2

Coats the inner space of the lung

Question 3

Describe the parietal pleural membrane

Answer 3

Coats the outer surface of the lungs

Question 4

What is in-between the two pleural membranes? What is its function?

Answer 4

Pleural fluid, allows the movement of the pleural membranes over the other and essentially sticks the lungs to your ribs

Question 5

What is pleurisy?

Answer 5

Inflammation of the pleura

Question 6

What are the three relevant pressures in the lungs?

Answer 6

• Intra-thoracic pressure (Alveolar) (Pa)
• Intra-pleural pressure (Pip)
• Transpulmonary pressure (Pt)

Question 7

Describe Intra-thoracic (Alveolar Pressure)

Answer 7

Pressure indie the thoracic cavity (essentially pressure inside of the lungs). May be negative or positive compared to atmospheric pressure

Question 8

Describe Intra-pleural pressure

Answer 8

Pressure inside the pleural cavity (always negative)

Question 9

Describe Transpulmonary pressure

Answer 9

Difference between alveolar and intra-pleural pressure. Always positive