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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

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In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Elastic properties of collapsing and expanding trachea
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Canine trachea compliance was measured in vivo. Results showed lower compliance compared to excised trachea preparations, indicating in-vivo conditions significantly affect tracheal mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Physiology
- Respiratory Biomechanics
Background:
- The mechanical properties of the trachea are crucial for respiratory function.
- Understanding in-vivo tracheal compliance is essential for diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the compliance of the canine trachea in an in-vivo preparation.
- To compare in-vivo tracheal compliance with previously reported data from excised preparations.
Main Methods:
- In-vivo measurement of canine tracheal compliance.
- Application of positive and negative transmural pressures.
- Analysis of stress relaxation at various pressure levels.
Main Results:
- Average compliance at zero transmural pressure was 11.7 X 10(-6) (dynes/cm2)-1.
- Compliance decreased to 4.9 and 6.9 X 10(-6) (dynes/cm2)-1 at -20 and +20 X 10(3) dynes/cm2 transmural pressure, respectively.
- Observed significantly lower compliance in vivo compared to excised preparations.
- Noted stress relaxation across all tested pressure levels.
Conclusions:
- In-vivo canine tracheal compliance is significantly lower than in excised preparations.
- Transmural pressure influences tracheal compliance.
- Stress relaxation is a characteristic of the canine trachea in vivo.
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