Question

Explain how a puncture to the thoracic cavity (from a knife wound, for instance) could alter the ability to inhale.

Short answer

A puncture to the thoracic cavity would equalize the pressure inside the thoracic cavity to the outside environment.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Thoracic cavity, also called chest cavity, the second largest hollow space of the body. It is enclosed by the ribs, the vertebral column, and the sternum, or breastbone, and is separated from the abdominal cavity (the body’s largest hollow space) by a muscular and membranous partition, the diaphragm.

Step 2. Explanation

• A puncture to the thoracic cavity would equalize the pressure inside the thoracic cavity to the outside environment.
• For the lung to function properly, the intrapleural pressure must be negative. This is caused by the contraction of the diaphragm pulling the lungs down and drawing air into the lungs.