NUR1 200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Pulmonary Pleurae, Thoracic Cavity, Abdominal Cavity
Document Summary
Anatomy: gas exchange occurs in the lungs. This gas (air) is brought in through the external nares (nostrils) and then pass through the nasal cavity in which they are filtered by a mucous membrane and nasal hairs (vibrissae: air then passes through the pharynx. This structure lies near the nasal cavity at the back of the mouth. It is a common location for both food and air: larynx lies below the pharynx and is only for air. The intrapleural space is the space between the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura. This space contains a thin layer of fluid and helps to lubricate the two surfaces. The pressure difference that drives breathing is created across this space. Inhalation: diaphragm + external intercostal muscles are used to expand the thoracic cavity. This increases the intrathoracic volume (volume of chest cavity) increases. Intrapleural space has its volume increase first since it is closest to the chest cavity.
