stab wounds creating a pneumonthorax

[sania]

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stab wounds creating a pneumonthorax on left side will usuallly result in collpase of which of the following?
1) left lung
2)right lung
3) both lungs
4) rib cage on left side
5) left lung and perciardial sac

can u guys ans and explain...thanks!!!!!

 

[McTooth]

would someone please reply to this question?

I am not sure but I would think the answer is collapse of the left lung as a stab wound in the left lung would result in a partial pneumothorax. If enough air accumulates in the peritoneal cavity , it will exert pressure in the heart , but I don't think it should affect the pericardial sac. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Lurchdubious]

Left lung only. Saw it on an old test.

 

[Anatomy Fanatic]

Left lung only. Saw it on an old test.

Quite correct. Since each major organ in the thorax is surrounded by its own individual membrane (pleura or pericardial sac) the affected area will be restricted to the location of the wound.

Also, you won't get any pressure buildup on the heart because the stab wound will leave an opening that will equalize pressure on either side of the thorax (inside and outside). This pressure equalization is enough to collapse the left lung, but the heart should not suffer from the slightly increased pressure.