Schematic drawing of alveolar sizes at upper (A), middle (B), and lower dependent (C) lung regions at end expiration and end inspiration. Schematic drawing of alveolar sizes at upper (A), middle (B), and lower dependent (C) lung regions at end expiration and end inspiration. Note the pleural pressure that approaches 0 in the lower part of the pleural space and the more negative pressure higher up. Lower panels show corresponding pressure (P)-volume (V) curves. From Reference 46, with permission. Robert M Kacmarek, and Richard D Branson Respir Care 2016;61:854-866 (c) 2012 by Daedalus Enterprises, Inc.