I keep getting “Mechanism of breathing” questions wrong in Breathing & Exchange of Gases. What's the trap?
thinking the lungs themselves have muscles that pump air.
The usual trap: thinking the lungs themselves have muscles that pump air. How to avoid it: lungs are passive; the diaphragm does the pumping. Go back to the definition — the diaphragm and intercostal muscles change chest volume to draw air in and push it out.
Key point
Mechanism of breathing
Common mistake
thinking the lungs themselves have muscles that pump air.
Memory tip
lungs are passive; the diaphragm does the pumping.
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