The difference between intrapleural and intrapulmonary pressure lies in the location where each pressure is measured. Intrapleural pressure is the pressure within the pleural cavity, while intrapulmonary pressure is the pressure within the alveoli of the lungs. Both the pressure differs in the context of their location, pressure values, breathing, and other affecting factors.
In this article, we will cover the difference between intrapleural and intrapulmonary pressure.
Table of Content
- What is Intrapleural Pressure?
- What is Intrapulmonary Pressure?
- Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
- Similarities Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
- Conclusion - Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
- Other Articles Related to Difference
- FAQs on Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
What is Intrapleural Pressure?
Intrapleural pressure is defined as the force exerted by the gases during respiration in the pleural cavity. The intrapleural pressure is always negative. There are three factors responsible for negative intrapleural pressure:
- Elasticity of the Lungs
- Elasticity of the Thoracic Wall
- Surface Tension of the Alveolar Fluid.
Intrapleural Pressure increases at higher altitudes as the oxygen present at the higher level is less.
Also Read: Mechanism of Breathing
What is Intrapulmonary Pressure?
Intrapulmonary pressure is defined as the force that is being exerted during respiration by the gases within the alveoli of the lungs. The intrapulmonary pressure is always zero ie. 760 mmHg. The intrapulmonary pressure decreases when moving towards a higher altitude because the oxygen level and the atmospheric level decrease. The pressure while moving upward towards the altitude. When the respiration process stops the intrapulmonary pressure becomes the same as the atmospheric pressure and becomes zero at the end of the cycle.
Also Read: Diagram of Alveoli
Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
The major difference between intrapleural and intrapulmonary pressure are given below:
Characteristics | Intrapleural Pressure | Intrapulmonary Pressure |
| Definition | Intrapleural pressure is defined as the force that is exerted by gases present in the pleural cavity during respiration. | Intrapulmonary Pressure is defined as a force that is exerted by the gases that are present within the alveoli of the lungs during respiration |
| Location of Pressure Exertion | The pressure exerted by the gases in the pleural cavity | The pressure exerted by the gases within the alveoli of the lungs. |
| Pressure values | The pressure value for intrapleural pressure is -4 or 720mmHg (Intrapleural pressure is always negative) | The pressure value for intrapulmonary pressure is 0 or 760mmHg (Intrapulmonary pressure is generally zero) |
| Role in breathing | Intrapleural pressure helps to keep the lungs inflated by creating pressure that helps to oppose the elastic recoil of the lungs. | Intrapulmonary pressure provides air movement in and out of the lungs by creating gradients. |
| Changes during breathing | Intrapleural pressure becomes more negative during inspiration and becomes less negative at the time of expiration. | Intrapulmonary pressure increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration. |
| Clinical Significance | Changes that occur in intrapleural pressure indicate the presence of lung pathology. | Changes that occur in intrapulmonary pressure indicate the presence or symptoms of lung disease. |
| Effects of positive pressure ventilation | An increase indicated in positive pressure ventilation can cause a decrease in intrapleural pressure that leads to improved functioning of the luna gs. | An increase in positive pressure ventilation can cause damage to the lungs if they are not controlled properly. |
| Effects of high altitude | Intrapleural pressure increases at higher altitude as the oxygen level and atmospheric pressure decreases. | Intrapulmonary Pressure decreases at a higher altitude as the oxygen and atmospheric level decreases. |
Similarities Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
Some of the similarities between Intrapleural pressure and Intrapulmonary pressure are given below:
- Both Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary pressure takes place in the respiratory system.
- Inspiration and expiration mechanisms are facilitated by Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary pressure.
- Both types of pressure cause the pressure gradient for in and outflow of the air.
- Both types of pressures are affected by pneumothorax conditions.
Conclusion - Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure
In conclusion, the difference between intrapleural and intrapulmonary pressure is significant in understanding respiratory mechanics and diagnosing lung-related conditions. The intrapleural pressure is always negative. It maintains lung inflation and adherence to the chest wall, influenced by factors like lung and chest wall elasticity. On the other hand, intrapulmonary pressure, typically zero, facilitates air movement in and out of the lungs by creating pressure gradients during respiration. Both pressures play essential roles in respiratory physiology.
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