Question

A person suffers punctures in his chest cavity in an accident without any damage to the lungs, its effect could be:

• A. Gradual increase in breathing
• B. Rapid increase in breathing rate
• C. No change in breathing
• D. Cessation of breathing

Answer 1

The correct option is D Cessation of breathing

To breath (i.e., inhale and exhale air), there must be a pressure gradient (or pressure difference) in lungs and thoracic cavity with respect to the atmosphere. While inhaling there must be decrease in pressure gradient and while exhaling there must be increase in pressure gradient in the thoracic cavity. Thus, if there is a puncture in chest cavity of a person, there would be very less or no pressure gradient in that. Due to this, his /her breath would cease.