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Basics of Respiratory Mechanics and Artificial Ventilation pp 119–131Cite as

Alveolar micromechanics

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Part of the book series: Topics in Anaesthesia and Critical Care ((TIACC))

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of the air spaces in the periphery of the lung is the result of a delicate balance of forces acting on the tissue scaffold of lung parenchyma. Static and dynamic properties of such a complex system have been an important field of research for many years. Alveolar space micromechanics have important physiological implications in terms of mechanical interdependence, alveolar stability, and the maintenance of a gas exchanging surface in constant contact with air. The mechanical behavior of such system has to allow the expansion of the alveolar surface at physiological rates at a low energy cost, and without interfering with the exchange process. I will describe how the structure and mechanics of the alveolar space are particularly optimized to reach these goals.

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Authors
  1. P. V. Romero
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    J. Milic-Emili MD

  2. Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy

    U. Lucangelo MD

  3. Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, New S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy

    A. Pesenti MD

  4. Department of Biophysic “Carlos Chagas Filho” Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    W. A. Zin MD

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag Italia, Milano

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Romero, P.V. (1999). Alveolar micromechanics. In: Milic-Emili, J., Lucangelo, U., Pesenti, A., Zin, W.A. (eds) Basics of Respiratory Mechanics and Artificial Ventilation. Topics in Anaesthesia and Critical Care. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2273-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2273-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0046-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2273-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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