Why Does Pressure Drop in a Constricted Bronchus?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the pressure drop in a constricted bronchus during inhalation, where air moves at 15 cm/s. According to Bernoulli's principle, as the flow speed of air doubles through the constriction, the pressure decreases in that region due to the conservation of energy in incompressible flow. This phenomenon contrasts with the common misconception that constriction leads to higher pressure, as the increased velocity in the narrow section results in a corresponding drop in pressure.

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  • Understanding of Bernoulli's principle
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics and incompressible flow
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations, particularly P = F/A
  • Concept of flow rate and velocity in fluid systems
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Students of physics, medical professionals studying respiratory mechanics, and engineers interested in fluid dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

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When a person inhales, air moces down the bronchus (windpipe) at 15 cm/s. The average flow speed of the air doubles through a constriction in the bronchus. Assuming incompressible flow, determine the pressure drop in the constriction.

This confuses me as I thought if you constrict a passage (e.g artery due to cholesterol) you get a higher pressue. This question is asking for the pressure drop??

As for equation... P = F/A? not real sure at all, someone please help to get the ball rolling :)
 
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Think of water instead of air, since in the problem the fluid is given as incompressible. If the fluid is to be kept flowing without accumulating anywhere, the speed has to increase in the narrow portions. But why would the fluid rush to the constricted portions if the pressure wasn't low there compared to where it's coming from?

Use Bernoulli's law without the gravity term.
 

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