Ventilation Flashcards
1
Q
what is ventilation?
A
- the process of moving air into and out of the lungs (inhalation and exhalation)
- moving air relies on differences in air pressure between the lungs and the atmosphere
2
Q
process of inhalation
A
- diaphragm contracts, moving down and flattening
- intercostal muscles contract, moving rib cage up and out
- volume of thorax increases
- air pressures in the thorax falls
- air pressure in the thorax is now less than atmospheric pressure, causing air to move into the lungs
3
Q
process of exhalation
A
- diaphragm relaxes, moving up and doming
- intercostal muscles relax, moving rib cage down and in
- the volume of the thorax decreases
- air pressure in the thorax rises
- air pressure in the thorax is now more than atmospheric pressure, causing air to move out of the lungs