What change occurs to the pressure inside the lungs during the period just after exhalation ends and before inhalation begins?

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Multiple Choice

What change occurs to the pressure inside the lungs during the period just after exhalation ends and before inhalation begins?

During the brief inspiratory pause, there is no air movement, so there is no pressure gradient to drive flow. Intrapulmonary (alveolar) pressure has equalized with atmospheric pressure at the end of expiration. Because the pressures inside and outside the lungs are the same, the pressure remains unchanged during this pause. Only when the next inhalation begins does the intrapulmonary pressure shift to create airflow.

During the brief inspiratory pause, there is no air movement, so there is no pressure gradient to drive flow. Intrapulmonary (alveolar) pressure has equalized with atmospheric pressure at the end of expiration. Because the pressures inside and outside the lungs are the same, the pressure remains unchanged during this pause. Only when the next inhalation begins does the intrapulmonary pressure shift to create airflow.

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