Why lungs have more negative intrapleural pressure at the apex

  • Thread starter Thread starter keep@science
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Negative Pressure
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the reasons behind the more negative intrapleural pressure observed at the apex of the lungs. Participants explore various explanations, including the role of gravity and anatomical factors, within the context of respiratory physiology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference textbooks that attribute the negative intrapleural pressure at the apex to gravity, though there is confusion about how gravity contributes to this effect.
  • One participant suggests that the explanation may not involve gravity, indicating a different perspective on the underlying mechanisms.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of anatomical factors, such as the role of external intercostal muscles in creating negative pressure during contraction, suggesting that visual models may aid in understanding these relationships.
  • Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of using terminology from different disciplines in biology discussions, indicating a potential divide in how concepts are communicated across fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of gravity in explaining the negative intrapleural pressure, indicating that multiple competing explanations remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the role of gravity and the need for visual aids to clarify anatomical relationships in respiratory mechanics.

keep@science
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
in some books it is written that it is because of gravity but i can't understand how gravity can cause such a effect
 
Biology news on Phys.org
keep@science said:
in some books it is written that it is because of gravity but i can't understand how gravity can cause such a effect
Can you provide a link that discusses this?
 
Biology textbooks rarely use the term gravity to explain mechanisms and Professors don't always take kindly to students using vocabulary or concepts from other disciplines...

The external intercostal muscles are fixed on the superior end of the ribs, the ribcage is pulled upwards upon contraction, which increases negative pressure. Looking at a diagram may help you understand (or take A & P I). It is difficult to understand functions in the body without visual models to show relations, it certainly isn't something you can easily get by only reading text.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo

Similar threads

Pressure volume curve for lung doesn't make sense?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
17K
What Happens When You Dive Too Deep?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Why is it easier on the heart in a horizontal position?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Understanding Transpulmonary Pressure
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Understanding Increase in Peripheral Resistance & Blood Pressure
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
COVID Can MRI detect COVID infection in lungs?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
ECMO for Deep Sea Scuba diving?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Physics of Blood Pressure and Blood Energy
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Pressure-volume curve: Elastic Recoil Pressure don't make sense
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Why Can't "Fluid in Lungs" Just be "Sucked" Out?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K