What physiological change accompanies the increase in lung volume during inhalation?

During inhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, causing the thoracic cavity to expand and the lung volume to increase. This increase in lung volume leads to a decrease in intrapulmonary pressure, which is the pressure within the lungs. According to Boyle's Law, there is an inverse relationship between the volume of a gas and its pressure; therefore, as the volume of the lungs increases, the pressure within them decreases.

This decreased intrapulmonary pressure creates a pressure gradient between the atmosphere and the inside of the lungs, allowing air to flow into the lungs from the outside environment. Oxygen and other gases can then be exchanged effectively in the alveoli. Understanding this concept is crucial for comprehending how breathing mechanics work, and it illustrates the significance of pressure changes in relation to lung volume during the process of inhalation.