Lung Gas Exchange

Question 1

What happens to the intercostal muscles when breathing in? What does the inspiration do to the lungs

Answer 1

The external intercostal muscles and diaphragm will contract and the internal intercostal muscles will relax, the contraction of the muscles and relaxation will cause the thorax volume to increase to cause the air pressure inside the lungs to decrease causing air to go in from the pressure gradient.

Question 2

What does the contraction of a muscle mean?

Answer 2

It will mean the muscles will move outwards and the opposite muscle in the ribcage will relax

Question 3

What will occur during expiration of lungs?

Answer 3

The thorax volume will decrease and air pressure will increase from the internal intercostal muscles contracting and the external intercostal muscles and diaphragm relaxing to force air out of the lungs from the pressure gradient inside lungs to the outside.

Question 4

What is involved with ventilation?

Answer 4

Lungs, internal and external intercostal muscles, diaphragm

Question 5

What blood vessel surrounds the alveoli

Answer 5

Capillary network