Which of the choices below describes the forces that act to pull the lungs away from the thorax wall and thus collapse the lungs?
A) compliance and the surface tension of the alveolar fluid
B) compliance and transpulmonary pressures
C) the natural tendency for the lungs to recoil and transpulmonary pressures
D) the natural tendency for the lungs to recoil and the surface tension of the alveolar fluid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The natural tendency for the lungs to recoil and the surface tension of the alveolar fluid are the forces that act to collapse the lungs. The lungs have an inherent elasticity that causes them to recoil, and the surface tension of the alveolar fluid also acts to reduce the size of the alveoli, both contributing to lung collapse.

Which of the Choices Below Describes the Forces That Act