Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

True or false: The lungs contain muscles that enable them to expand and contract.

1. True

2. False

3. Only during forced breathing

4. True for the diaphragm only

The correct answer is: False

The lungs themselves do not contain muscles that allow them to expand and contract. Instead, lung movement is facilitated by the surrounding muscles, particularly the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, which play a crucial role in the mechanics of breathing. When these muscles contract, they create negative pressure in the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation, these muscles relax, and the elastic recoil of lung tissue helps expel air. It's important to understand that while the diaphragm is a vital muscle involved in breathing, the lungs rely entirely on the action of other muscles for ventilation. Therefore, stating that the lungs have their own muscles is inaccurate. This distinction is key to understanding the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.