Air Moves Out of the Lungs When the Pressure Inside

Question

Air moves out of the lungs when the pressure inside the lungs is
A) greater than intraalveolar pressure.
B) less than the pressure in the atmosphere.
C) less than intrapulmonic pressure.
D) equal to the pressure in the atmosphere.
E) greater than the pressure in the atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

Air moves out of the lungs when the pressure inside the lungs (intrapulmonary or intraalveolar pressure) is greater than the atmospheric pressure outside the body. This pressure gradient forces air out of the lungs.