Sherry is not able to produce surfactant. In order to inhale a normal tidal volume, does her intrapleural pressure have to be higher or lower than for a healthy individual? Explain.

What will be an ideal response?


Surfactant is necessary to reduce surface tension sufficient to prevent small or collapsed alveoli. Sherry needs to inhale more forcefully to get the same tidal volume, so lower intrapleural pressure would help.

Anatomy & Physiology

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