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Related Concept Videos

Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
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...
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...
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...
Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Positioning effects on lung function and breathing pattern in premature newborns.

Georgette Gouna1, Thameur Rakza, Elaine Kuissi

  • 1Department of Perinatology, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, University Hospital of Lille, and EA4489 Perinatal Environment and Growth, School of Medicine, Université Lille 2, Lille, France.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 15, 2013
PubMed
Summary

For preterm infants needing oxygen, the left lateral and prone positions enhance breathing and lung function compared to the supine position. The left lateral position is a viable alternative in the NICU for mild respiratory failure.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Preterm infants often require respiratory support due to underdeveloped lungs.
  • Positional therapy is explored to optimize breathing mechanics in neonates.
  • Understanding optimal positioning is crucial for managing respiratory failure in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare breathing patterns and lung function in supine, lateral, and prone positions.
  • To evaluate the impact of different positions on oxygen-dependent preterm infants.
  • To determine the efficacy of left lateral positioning as an alternative to prone positioning.

Main Methods:

  • Respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to assess respiratory function in preterm infants on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
  • Infants were randomized to 3-hour periods in supine, left lateral (semiflexed), or prone positions.
  • Measurements included tidal volume (Vt), phase angle, rib cage contribution to Vt, and end-expiratory lung volume.

Main Results:

  • Arterial oxygen saturation and tidal volume (Vt) were significantly higher in the left lateral and prone positions compared to the supine position.
  • The phase angle between abdominal and thoracic movements was lower, and rib cage contribution to Vt was higher in lateral and prone positions.
  • Dynamic elevation of end-expiratory lung volume was greater in the supine position than in the left lateral and prone positions.

Conclusions:

  • Left lateral and prone positions optimize breathing strategies, improving lung function in oxygen-dependent preterm infants.
  • The left lateral position offers a beneficial alternative to the prone position for managing mild respiratory failure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
  • Positional therapy plays a key role in enhancing respiratory outcomes for vulnerable preterm neonates.