Which of the following processes does atmospheric pressure play a role in?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pulmonary ventilation. Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in pulmonary ventilation by creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into and out of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation. When the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure inside the lungs, air moves in (inhalation); when the pressure inside the lungs is higher, air moves out (exhalation).
Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Production of pulmonary surfactant is not directly influenced by atmospheric pressure. Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent collapse.
C: Resistance in the respiratory system is mainly influenced by airway diameter and elasticity of the lungs, not atmospheric pressure.
D: Surface tension in the alveoli is affected by pulmonary surfactant, not atmospheric pressure.