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

What role does the pleural space play in lung function?

1. It prevents lung infection

2. It creates a barrier to airflow

3. It helps maintain negative pressure for lung expansion

4. It serves as a storage area for excess air

The correct answer is: It helps maintain negative pressure for lung expansion

The pleural space is a crucial component of the respiratory system, as it plays an essential role in facilitating lung function. Specifically, it contributes to maintaining negative pressure, which is vital for lung expansion during the process of inhalation. The pleural space is the thin, fluid-filled cavity between the two layers of pleura that encase the lungs—namely, the visceral pleura (attached to the lung surface) and the parietal pleura (attached to the thoracic cavity wall). This negative pressure creates a suction effect that keeps the lungs inflated and assists in their expansion as air is drawn in during breathing. When the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, and the negative pressure in the pleural space becomes even more pronounced. This allows the lungs to expand and fill with air, facilitating effective gas exchange. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of the pleural space. While it might have some impact on preventing infections by providing a protective layer, its primary role is related to the mechanics of breathing rather than infection control. The pleural space does not create a barrier to airflow; rather, it allows the lungs to move freely within the thoracic cavity. Additionally