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Coupling between the ribs and the lung in dogs.
André De Troyer1, Theodore A Wilson
1Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Physiology, Brussels School of Medicine, and Chest Service, Erasme University Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
The Journal of Physiology
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Intercostal muscles have varying actions on the lung due to non-uniform rib-lung coupling. This study reveals distinct inspiratory and expiratory functions in different ribcage regions.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy
Background:
- Conventional theories suggest uniform intercostal muscle function.
- Evidence points to regional differences in rib cage mechanics and lung interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of non-uniform rib-lung coupling influencing intercostal muscle actions.
- To elucidate the rostrocaudal gradients in intercostal muscle function.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of rib displacements and airway opening pressure changes in anesthetized dogs.
- Application of cranial and caudal loads to individual rib pairs to simulate muscle actions.
Main Results:
- Rib displacements and pressure changes exhibited gradients along the ribcage.
- Calculated net effects showed cranial inspiratory and caudal expiratory actions in different interspaces.
Conclusions:
- Rib-lung coupling varies significantly across the ribcage.
- This non-uniformity dictates regional inspiratory and expiratory roles for intercostal muscles.