Tutorial Mechanic of Respiration, Lung Volumes and Capacities

Name : NATASHA CAMELIA BINTI AZIZUL HANAFEE (2019824826)

1.       With the aid of the figure provided (below), describe the changes in intra-alveolar (Palv),
intrapleural (Pip)and transpulmonary pressure (Ptp)and the airflow during a typical respiratory
cycle.

Pulmonary ventilation is the act of breathing, which can be described as the movement of
air into and out of the lungs. The major mechanisms that drive pulmonary ventilation are
atmospheric pressure (Patm); the air pressure within the alveoli, called alveolar pressure (Palv); and
the pressure within the pleural cavity, called intrapleural pressure (Pip). The alveolar and intrapleural
pressures are dependent on certain physical features of the lung. However, the ability to breathe
which is to have air enter the lungs during inspiration and air leave the lungs during expiration is
dependent on the air pressure of the atmosphere and the air pressure within the lungs. For
inspiration, Diaphragm and external intercostal muscle contract. Domes move inferiorly to abdomen
enlarging the thoracic cavity. This will cause Pip to decrease and Ptp to increase. So, lung will
expand. The Ptp will create pressure gradient between pressure in alveolar and atm. Palv become
decrease compare to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, air flow inward because the pressure
gradient moves from high to low pressure. For expiration, diaphragm and intercostal muscle relax,
so rib go inwards. The Pip increase causes the Ptp decrease. So the lung goes to original position.
When lungs getting smaller, the air in alveoli will increase cause the pressure in alveoli to increase
than atmospheric pressure. So, air will flow to atmosphere because the pressure gradient.

2.        Explain the implication of a puncture in the chest wall (pneumothorax) as in the figure
provided, on the lung function.

Pneumothorax is a condition that occurs when air enters the space between the chest wall and lung.
When air builds up, pressure inside the pleural space increases and cause lungs to collapse.  The
pressure prevents the lung from expanding when you try to inhale, causing chest pain and shortness
of breath.

3.        Draw and label the lung volumes and capacities.

4.       State FOUR (4) different conditions that may increase the work of breathing.

 Presence of surfactant
 High compliance
 Abundant elastic connective tissue
 Alveolar is lined with minimal amount of liquid

5.     Pulmonary fibrosis is described as a condition in which the lung tissue becomes thickened,
stiff, and scarred. Based on your physiological knowledge, explain the implication of this
pathological condition on the lung compliance.

Lung compliance can be defined as the change in lung volume per unit change in transmural
pressure gradient such as between alveolus and pleural space. From lung compliance, it can measure
the ability of lung to stretch and expand. Pathological condition of pulmonary fibrosis is associated
with a decrease in pulmonary compliance as it cause lungs to become less elastic and stiff due to
scarring or fibrosis. This scarring makes it harder for oxygen to pass through the alveoli (air sacs) and
reduces the amount of oxygen that can be passed into the bloodstream. The fibrosis stiffens the
lungs, reducing their size and capacity. Additionally, the presence of fibrosis affects greatly on lung
compliance as it causes lung elastin fibers to be replaced by collagens which are less elastic. Patients
with decreased lung compliance required extra work in order to bring a normal volume of air.