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Related Concept Videos

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity01:24

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology01:10

Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
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Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
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Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Peripheral lung mechanics in asthma: exploring the outer limits.

David A Kaminsky1

  • 1Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Given D-213, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. david.kaminsky@uvm.edu

Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|December 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Peripheral airways are hyperresponsive in asthma, contributing to airway closure and overall lung impedance. Research in humans and mice highlights airway closure and heterogeneous narrowing as key factors in asthma.

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Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
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Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
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Published on: April 8, 2022

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
13:10

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Asthma Research

Background:

  • Asthma is traditionally linked to central airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).
  • Emerging evidence indicates significant involvement of peripheral airways in asthma.
  • Understanding peripheral lung mechanics is crucial for asthma management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate peripheral airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma.
  • To explore the mechanisms contributing to airway closure and AHR.
  • To analyze the role of fibrin, surfactant, and airway heterogeneity in asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of lung mechanics in humans with asthma using classical methods and wedged bronchoscopy.
  • Conducting experiments in mice to study lung mechanics and airway closure.
  • Combining forced oscillation technique with CT imaging to assess airway heterogeneity in humans.

Main Results:

  • The lung periphery demonstrates hyperresponsiveness and airway closure in asthmatic subjects.
  • Overall lung impedance is influenced by peripheral airway narrowing and central airway shunting.
  • Airway closure is a significant contributor to AHR in mice; fibrin may cause closure via surfactant inactivation.
  • Heterogeneous airway narrowing is prevalent in both normal and asthmatic subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral airway hyperresponsiveness and closure are key features of asthma.
  • Mechanisms like fibrin-induced surfactant inactivation and heterogeneous airway narrowing contribute to AHR.
  • Further research in humans and mice is needed to fully elucidate these mechanisms.