Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure

Intrapleural pressure and Intrapulmonary pressure are the pressure within the respiratory system. Intrapleural pressure is exerted in the pleural cavity whereas Intrapulmonary pressure is exerted within the alveoli of the lungs. Both the pressure differs in the context of their location, pressure values, breathing, and other affecting factors. The article covers the difference between both types of pressure in detail. 

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. The three factors are responsible for negative intrapleural pressure. They are the elasticity of the lungs, the elasticity of the thoracic wall, and the surface tension of the alveolar fluid.  Intrapleural Pressure increases at higher altitudes as the oxygen present at the higher level is less. 

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.  

Difference Between Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure

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

• 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 

Both Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary pressure takes place within the respiratory system but has many differences. The article covers the difference between both pressures. These pressures are affected by other conditions such as higher altitude, positive pressure ventilation, and changes during breathing. These pressures do function to provide proper respiration but even must be controlled under various conditions. 

FAQs on Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary Pressure

Q1: Which pressure is higher the Intrapulmonary pressure and Intrapleural pressure?

Answer: 

Intrapulmonary pressure is always higher than intrapleural pressure. Intrapulmonary pressure is found within the lungs. It varies as it is greater than the atmospheric pressure during the process of exhalation and is less than atmospheric pressure during inhalation. 

Q2: What is the role of Intrapleural pressure while breathing? 

Answer: 

The role of Intrapleural pressure while breathing is to keep the lungs inflated by creating the pressure that helps to oppose elastic recoil of the lungs.  

Q3: What is the role of Intrapulmonary pressure while breathing? 

Answer: 

The role of Intrapulmonary pressure is to provide the movement of air in and out of the lungs by creating the pressure gradients. 

Q4: What are the effects of high altitude on Intrapleural and Intrapulmonary pressure? 

Answer:  

At the high altitude as the oxygen and atmospheric pressure decreases, the intrapleural pressure increases where as Intrapulmonary pressure decreases.