What could potentially happen if the pleural cavity experiences increased pressure?

The pleural cavity is the space between the layers of pleura surrounding the lungs, playing a vital role in respiratory mechanics by allowing the lungs to expand and contract effectively during breathing. If the pressure within the pleural cavity increases significantly, it can lead to a condition known as a pneumothorax.

In a pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space, which can result from trauma, disease, or spontaneously and disrupts the negative pressure that normally keeps the lungs inflated. This shift in pressure can cause the lung on the affected side to collapse, making it difficult or impossible for the individual to breathe normally. The presence of air in the pleural cavity also prevents the lung from fully expanding, leading to reduced gas exchange and potential respiratory distress.

The other options do not directly correlate with increased pressure in the pleural cavity. Excess fluid absorption pertains to different physiological mechanisms that do not involve the pressures in the pleural space. Bronchoconstriction relates to the narrowing of the airways and is more associated with inflammatory responses rather than pleural cavity pressure. Hypercapnia, or excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, usually results from inadequate ventilation rather than increased pleural pressure. Thus, the connection between increased pleural pressure