At which point in the pressure-time curve of a spontaneous breath should the transdiaphragmatic pressure be greatest?

a. Mid-inspiration
b. Mid-expiration
c. End of exhalation
d. Beginning of inspiration


ANS: A
The transdiaphragmatic pressure is the difference between the gastric and esophageal pressures, as measured during the respiratory cycle. The greatest distance between these two pressures dur-ing the respiratory cycle is at the middle of inspiration, when the esophageal pressure is at its lowest point. At mid-expiration the gastric and esophageal pressure difference is at its smallest point. See Figure 10-25.

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