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Effect of expiratory loading on glottic dimensions in humans
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Breathing against expiratory resistance causes noncompensatory glottic narrowing in healthy adults. This glottic constriction may stabilize the respiratory system by increasing airway impedance.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The glottis plays a crucial role in regulating airflow resistance.
- Understanding how external loads affect glottic dimensions is important for respiratory mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of expiratory flow-resistive loading on glottic dimensions.
- To explore the relationship between glottic changes and respiratory parameters.
Main Methods:
- 13 healthy subjects were subjected to varying levels of expiratory flow-resistive loads.
- Glottic width, mouth pressure, and expiratory flow were measured.
- Positive end-expiratory pressure was applied to assess its effect.
Main Results:
- Expiratory glottic width significantly decreased with increasing resistive loads.
- Mouth pressure increased proportionally with the applied resistance.
- Inspiratory glottic width remained unchanged, and glottic narrowing was noncompensatory.
Conclusions:
- Expiratory loading leads to glottic narrowing, suggesting altered neural control.
- Glottic constriction may serve a stabilizing function by increasing respiratory system impedance.
- Glottic dimensions are influenced by the dynamics of lung emptying during expiration.