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Related Concept Videos

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
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...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
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...
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...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...

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Updated: May 10, 2026

A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation
08:46

A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation

Published on: July 26, 2017

Lung parenchymal mechanics.

Béla Suki1, Dimitrije Stamenović, Rolf Hubmayr

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. bsuki@bu.edu

Comprehensive Physiology
|June 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lung mechanics depend on alveolar structure, prestress, and tissue properties. Understanding these biomechanical factors is crucial for normal lung function and disease management.

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Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs
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Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs

Published on: January 27, 2015

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation
08:46

A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation

Published on: July 26, 2017

Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs
09:49

Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs

Published on: January 27, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Physiology
  • Biophysics
  • Extracellular Matrix Biology

Background:

  • The lung parenchyma's alveoli provide a large surface area for gas exchange, maintained by transpulmonary pressure (prestress).
  • Prestress influences lung deformability, affecting ventilation, blood flow, stiffness, and alveolar stability.
  • Extracellular matrix components like elastin and collagen are key to lung mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the biomechanical properties of lung parenchyma constituents under prestress.
  • To elucidate how these properties influence normal lung function and disease states.
  • To present an integrated view of lung mechanics and discuss its clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on the biomechanical properties of parenchymal constituents (elastin, collagen, proteoglycans).
  • Analysis of how tissue constituents, surface tension, and cell contractility affect macroscopic properties.
  • Review of existing literature on lung mechanics and its clinical relevance.

Main Results:

  • Lung function is intrinsically tied to parenchymal architecture, prestress, and mechanical properties.
  • The extracellular matrix is the primary pathway for stress transmission, significantly impacting lung biology.
  • Macroscopic lung properties are influenced by tissue composition, surface tension, and cellular activity.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the biomechanics of lung parenchyma is essential for comprehending normal physiology and disease pathogenesis.
  • Parenchymal mechanics offers potential for improved bedside diagnostics and future therapeutic strategies in respiratory medicine.
  • An integrated approach to lung mechanics highlights its significance from molecular constituents to clinical practice.