Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System

C3 · Mechanics of Breathing

C3.viii · Pleural Pressure Gradient & Position

Official V5 objective
Explain the vertical gradient of pleural pressure, its significance and the effect of positioning.
1 SAQ topic 1 SAQ appearance 0 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

1 appearance
Apex vs Base Physiology
1 exam appearance
2016A Q03
Compare the physiology of the apex of the lung with the base of the lung in the upright position.
33%

Oral examination

VIVA history

0 stations

No mapped VIVA history for this objective.

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.