Atmospheric pressure

Definition

Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of the air above that surface in the atmosphere of Earth. In the context of the respiratory system, it plays a crucial role in breathing mechanics as it influences air movement into and out of the lungs.

Related terms

Inhalation: The process of taking air into the lungs, driven by a difference in pressure between atmospheric pressure and lung pressure.

Exhalation: The act of expelling air out of the lungs, influenced by changes in lung volume and atmospheric pressure.

Baroreceptor: A sensory neuron that responds to changes in blood pressure and contributes to maintaining homeostasis in response to variations in atmospheric pressure