- When you inhale the chest cavity expands. This lowers the pressure in the chest cavity so its below atmospheric pressure. Air then flows into the lungs.
-When you exhale the diaphragm and intercostal muscle relax and the chest cavity gets smaller. The decrease in volume increases the pressure inside the chest above outside air pressure. Air flows out of lungs.
Illnesses Associater with Lungs
Asthma: Bronchioles constrict reducing size of airway.
Emphysema: Lungs become stiff with fiber and less elastic muscles must work harder.
Bronchitis: Airway becomes inflamed and marrower.
Pneumothorax: Air in the chest cavity equalised pressure inside and out causes lung to collapse.
Apnea: Breathing slows or stops.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid between alveolus and capillary builds up increases distance over which gases exchange.
Smoke Inhalation: Smoke particles coat alveoli and prevent gas exchange.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon Monoxide binds to hemoglobin more tightly than either oxygen or carbon dioxide.
