Where does atmospheric pressure rank compared to lung pressure during inhalation?

During inhalation, lung pressure decreases relative to atmospheric pressure to allow air to flow into the lungs. This occurs because the diaphragm contracts and the rib cage expands, creating a negative pressure within the thoracic cavity. As the volume within the lungs increases, the pressure inside the lungs falls below that of the atmospheric pressure, which drives air into the lungs.

This relationship highlights how atmospheric pressure acts as the driving force that enables inhalation to occur. In this context, atmospheric pressure is indeed greater than lung pressure during the inhalation process, thereby facilitating the movement of air into the lungs.