Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

External and Internal Respiration

External and Internal Respiration

External respiration occurs in the lungs, and it is the first step in the journey of oxygen inside the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and diffuses across the thin alveolar membrane. The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs that provide a vast surface area for gas exchange. Oxygen in the alveoli has a higher partial pressure (105 mmHg) than in the adjacent pulmonary capillaries (40 mmHg), establishing a pressure gradient. As a result, oxygen molecules move from the alveoli into the...

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

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...

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

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...

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...

Pleura of the Lungs

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Vaccination policies for healthcare personnel in Europe, 2026.

Vaccine·2026

Same author

Family medicine in rural and depopulating recommendations in the light of the professional preferences of young physicians.

Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM·2026

Same author

Examples of Systemic Solutions for Skill-Mix Issues-An Analysis of International Experiences with a Focus on Rural Areas.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

Same author

Prevalence of hearing loss and other ear disorders among patients with hepatitis B infection: a nationwide retrospective Polish cohort study.

Scientific reports·2026

Same author

Reducing the phenomenon of medical deserts by identifying the career plans of future doctors in Poland. Quo vadis?

Rural and remote health·2026

Same author

National trends in influenza mortality in Poland from 2009-2023 with regard to the periods before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Published on: November 12, 2014

Lung function in divers.

M Konarski¹, R Klos, Aneta Nitsch-Osuch

¹Department of Maritime and Hyperbaric Medicine, Military Institute of Medicine, Gdynia, Poland.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|July 10, 2013

Summary

Professional divers often exhibit

Area of Science:

Physiology
Occupational Health
Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

Lung function is critical for underwater work.
Spirometry is key for selecting professional divers.
Divers may present with 'large lungs' and obstructive patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate lung function parameters in divers.
Compare spirometric data of divers and candidates.
Analyze the 'large lungs' phenomenon in professional diving.

Main Methods:

Examined 52 male diving candidates and professionals.
Performed basic spirometric tests: FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, FEV1/FVC.
Compared results against European Coal and Steel Community predicted values.

More Related Videos

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Published on: February 20, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Published on: November 12, 2014

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Published on: February 20, 2017

Main Results:

Divers showed distinct forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) values.
Observed differences suggest potential functional hyperinflation.
The 'large lungs' finding in divers may indicate obstructive impairment.

Conclusions:

The 'large lungs' phenomenon in divers may be linked to functional hyperinflation.
Prolonged 'large lungs' could lead to obstructive lung ventilation impairment.
Spirometric monitoring is crucial for assessing diver lung health.