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On the respiratory function of the ribs.
Matteo Cappello1, André De Troyer
1Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Physiology, Brussels School of Medicine, Chest Service, Erasme University Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|March 16, 2002
Summary
The ribs are crucial for breathing, enabling lung expansion by converting muscle contractions into volume changes. Removing ribs significantly impairs this respiratory function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The rib cage's role in respiration is complex, involving intercostal muscles and bony structures.
- Understanding the rib cage's contribution to lung volume changes is essential for respiratory mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific function of the bony ribs in respiratory mechanics.
- To quantify the impact of rib removal on respiratory function.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of airway opening pressure (Pao) were taken in anesthetized dogs.
- Parasternal and external intercostal muscles were stimulated before and after rib removal.
Main Results:
- Stimulating intercostal muscles caused a decrease in Pao with intact ribs.
- After rib removal, parasternal muscle stimulation reduced Pao by 60%, and external intercostal stimulation had no effect.
- Restoring rib cage curvature allowed external intercostal stimulation to increase Pao.
Conclusions:
- Ribs are critical for breathing, translating intercostal muscle shortening into lung volume expansion.
- The rib cage provides necessary compression to balance chest wall pressure differences.
- These findings highlight the ribs' essential role in efficient respiration.