Health&SocialCare: Unit 4- 2.2~ Inspiration and expiration

Question 1

What is the process inspiration (inhalation)?

Answer 1

• When inhaling, the diaphragm contracts, moving downwards, increasing space in chest cavity
• The intrercostal muscle contracts, causing ribcage to expand outwards and upwards, increasing volume in chest cavity
• Increase in volume leads to a drop in pressure in chest cavity
• The pressure differences causes air to be drawn to lungs

Question 2

What are the types of expiration (exhalation)?

Answer 2

Passive or active

Question 3

What is passive expiration?

Answer 3

• Most common, when diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax
• The relaxation reduces the size of chest cavity, increasing pressure
• The pressue forces air out of lungs

Question 4

What is active expiration?

Answer 4

• Happens during vigorous exercise or in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Involves contraction of the muscle in the abdomen, forcing air out, increasing respiratory rate

Question 5

What is the role of pleural membranes?

Answer 5

Crucial to inflating and deflating lungs, also preventing friction when lungs move

Question 6

What is the role of the diaphragm?

Answer 6

• To carry expiration the brains stops sending nerve messages to ribs and diaphragm
• Diaphragm recoils to domed position and gravity causes ribcage to drop down
• This decreases volume of lungs but air pressure increases, so air is forced out

Question 7

What is the role of intercostal muscles?

Answer 7

• To draw air into lungs, braisn sends nerve messages to intercostal muscles/diaphragm
• Due to rib hinged to spine, contraction of muscles causes rib to swing up & out
• Volume in lungs increase, air pressure decreases so air is rushed into lungs