If the thoracic wall but not lungs is punctured

Options

A. the lungs get inflated
B. the man dies as the lungs get collapsed
C. the breathing rate decreases
D. the breathing rate increases

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question states that the thoracic wall is punctured, but not the lungs. This implies that there is a breach in the chest wall, which could affect the pleural cavity.

2. **Identifying the Role of the Pleural Membrane**: The pleural membrane surrounds the lungs and creates a pressure difference that is essential for lung inflation and deflation during breathing. If the thoracic wall is punctured, it can lead to a disruption in this pressure balance.

3. **Consequences of Puncturing the Thoracic Wall**: When the thoracic wall is punctured, the pressure in the pleural cavity can equalize with atmospheric pressure. This loss of negative pressure can cause the lungs to collapse, as they rely on this pressure difference to remain inflated.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option A**: "The lungs get inflated" - This is incorrect because the puncture leads to a loss of pressure, causing the lungs to collapse instead of inflating.
- **Option B**: "The man dies as the lungs get collapsed" - This is the correct answer because the collapse of the lungs (pneumothorax) can lead to respiratory failure and potentially death if not treated.
- **Option C**: "The breathing rate decreases" - This is incorrect as the body would likely attempt to compensate for the lack of oxygen due to lung collapse.
- **Option D**: "The breathing rate increases" - This is also incorrect as the body may not be able to effectively increase the breathing rate without functioning lungs.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that the man dies as the lungs get collapsed (Option B).