AP BIOLOGY

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

GAS EXCHANGE IN HUMANS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
A contraction of the diaphragm during inhalation causes it to flatten. What else does the contraction result in?
A
An increase in the volume of the chest cavity
B
Increase in alveolar pressure
C
A decrease in lung volume
D
A decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges. This contraction creates a vacuum, which pulls air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domelike shape, and air is forced out of the lungs.

Detailed explanation-2: -When you breathe in, or inhale, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward. This increases the space in your chest cavity, and your lungs expand into it. The muscles between your ribs also help enlarge the chest cavity. They contract to pull your rib cage both upward and outward when you inhale.

Detailed explanation-3: -When the lungs inhale, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward. At the same time, the muscles between the ribs contract and pull upward. This increases the size of the thoracic cavity and decreases the pressure inside. As a result, air rushes in and fills the lungs.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lung volume expands because the diaphragm contracts and the intercostals muscles contract, thus expanding the thoracic cavity. This increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity lowers pressure compared to the atmosphere, so air rushes into the lungs, thus increasing its volume.

Detailed explanation-5: -Action: diaphragm is the main inspiratory muscle, during inspiration it contracts and moves in an inferior direction that increases the vertical diameter of the thoracic cavity and produces lung expansion, in turn, the air is drawn in.

There is 1 question to complete.