d. The pleurae divide the thoracic cavity into three discrete chambers, preventing one
organ’s movement from interfering with another’s, as well as limiting the spread
of infection.
II. Mechanics of Breathing (pp. 816–824; Figs. 22.12–22.16; Tables 22.2–22.3)
A. Respiratory pressures are described relative to atmospheric pressures: a negative pressure
indicates that the respiratory pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure (pp. 816–817;
Fig. 22.12).
1. Intrapulmonary pressure is the pressure in the alveoli, which rises and falls during
respiration, but always eventually equalizes with atmospheric pressure.
2. Intrapleural pressure is the pressure in the pleural cavity. It also rises and falls during
respiration, but is always about 4 mm Hg less than intrapulmonary pressure.
B. Pulmonary Ventilation (pp. 817–820; Figs. 22.13–22.14)
1. Pulmonary ventilation is a mechanical process causing gas flow into and out of the
lungs according to volume changes in the thoracic cavity.
a. Boyle’s law states that at a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas varies
inversely with its volume.
2. During quiet inspiration, the diaphragm and intercostals contract, resulting in an
increase in thoracic volume, which causes intrapulmonary pressure to drop below
atmospheric pressure, and air flows into the lungs.
C. Physical Factors Influencing Pulmonary Ventilation (pp. 820–821; Fig. 22.15)
1. Airway resistance is the friction encountered by air in the airways; gas flow is reduced
as airway resistance increases.
a. Airway resistance is greatest in the medium-sized airways due to two factors:
upper airways are very large diameter, and lower airways, while smaller, are very
numerous.