A member of the 'Blues' gang was rushed into an emergency room after receiving a knife wound in the left side of his thorax. The diagnosis was pneumothorax and a collapsed lung. Explain exactlya. why the lung collapsed, andb. why only one lung (not both) collapsed.

Under ordinary circumstances, the inflation reflex is initiated bya. noxious chemicals,b. the ventral respiratory group,c. overinflation of the alveoli and bronchioles,d. the pontine respiratory centers.

Multiple ChoiceMore than one choice may apply.During inspiration, intrapulmonary pressure isa. greater than atmospheric pressure.b. less than atmospheric pressure.c. greater than intrapleural pressure.d. less than intrapleural pressure.

Multiple ChoiceMore than one choice may apply.Which of the following changes will accompany the loss of lung elasticity associated with aging?a. Increase in tidal volumeb. Increase in inspiratory reserve volumec. Increase in residual volumed. Increase in vital capacity

Describe the functional relationships between volume changes and gas flow into and out of the lungs.

When the inspiratory muscles contract,a. the size of the thoracic cavity increases in diameter,b. the size of the thoracic cavity increases in length,c. the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases,d. the size of the thoracic cavity increases in both length and diameter.

Cary hyperventilates for several minutes before diving into a swimming pool. After he enters and begins swimming underwater, he blacks out and almost drowns. What caused this to happen?

The contraction of the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles begins inspiration. What happens, in terms of volume and pressure changes in the lungs, when these muscles contract?