Question at position 6 In order to inhale, muscles inside the lungs contract to draw air in.TrueFalseSingle choice
A
True
B
False

Question

Question at position 6 In order to inhale, muscles inside the lungs contract to draw air in.TrueFalse

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Inhalation is produced by contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, not by muscles inside the lungs.

1. Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- The lungs themselves contain no skeletal muscles; they are elastic organs composed of airways and alveoli.
- Breathing is driven by changes in thoracic cavity volume produced by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
- Boyle’s law: at constant temperature, pressure and volume are inversely related (P ∝ 1/V).
- Pleural membrane and intrapleural pressure keep lungs expanded; changes in thoracic volume change intrapulmonary (alveolar) pressure relative to atmosphere, causing airflow.

2. Step-by-step reasoning
- At rest (end of exhalation) alveolar pressure ≈ atmospheric pressure (≈760 mmHg) and no net airflow.
- Contraction of the diaphragm (flattens) and external intercostals (raise ribs) increases thoracic volume.
- Increased volume lowers alveolar pressure (example: to ≈759 mmHg).
- Because alveolar pressure is now below atmospheric pressure, air flows into the lungs until pressures equilibrate.
- The lungs expand passively because they adhere to the chest wall via the pleural cavity; they do not actively “pull” air by contracting internal muscles.

3. Intermediate calculation/example
- Start: alveolar pressure = 760 mmHg. Thoracic volume increases → alveolar pressure drops slightly (e.g., to 759 mmHg). Pressure gradient 1 mmHg causes air to flow in until alveolar pressure returns to 760 mmHg.

4. Why the correct answer is correct
- The statement claims muscles inside the lungs contract to draw air in; this is false because the active force comes from thoracic muscles (diaphragm, intercostals), not from muscles within lung tissue.

5. Why the other option is incorrect
- “True” is incorrect: it misattributes the source of inspiratory force to intrapulmonary muscles. While smooth muscle in bronchioles can constrict/dilate, it does not generate the volume change needed for inhalation.

6. Conclusion
- Therefore the correct answer is False, matching the provided answer.

Question at position 6 In order to inhale, muscles inside the lungs contract to draw air in.TrueFalseSingle choice

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