Ace the MCAT 2025 Challenge – Unleash Your Medical Marvel Mind!

Question: 1 / 415

What occurs to the lung volume during inhalation?

It decreases significantly

It remains static

It increases to accommodate incoming air

During inhalation, the process of breathing in, lung volume increases to accommodate incoming air. This increase occurs as the diaphragm contracts and moves downward while the intercostal muscles (located between the ribs) contract to lift the rib cage up and out. This expansion creates a negative pressure within the thoracic cavity compared to the external atmospheric pressure, allowing air to flow into the lungs.

As the volume inside the thoracic cavity increases, this allows the lungs to expand, filling with fresh air. This essential mechanism is part of the respiratory process that facilitates gas exchange in the alveoli, where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled. Therefore, the correct understanding of inhalation is that lung volume must increase to allow for effective breathing and gas exchange.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

It rapidly fluctuates

Next Question

Report this question

Download Ace the MCAT 2025 Challenge – Unleash Your Medical Marvel Mind! PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy