Lung Pressure Dynamics During Inhalation: Boyle's Law in Action
Inhalation is an active process creating a pressure gradient:
- Muscle contraction: Diaphragm descends (↑ vertical dimension); external intercostals elevate ribs (↑ anteroposterior/lateral dimensions).
- Thoracic volume ↑: Lung volume expands (elastic recoil).
- Intrapulmonary pressure ↓: Boyle's Law — volume ↑ → pressure ↓ below atmospheric (≈ -1 to -3 cmH₂O at rest).
- Airflow: Atmospheric pressure (0 cmH₂O reference) > intrapulmonary pressure → air flows in until pressures equalize.
Exhalation is passive at rest: muscles relax → elastic recoil → volume ↓ → intrapulmonary pressure > atmospheric → air flows out.
Forced breathing uses accessory muscles (scalenes, SCM, pectoralis) and internal intercostals/abdominals to amplify pressure changes.
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