Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Factors that cause abnormal compliance can be in fact anything which destroys
the lung tissue, causing it to become fibrotic or edematous, blocks the bronchioli
or in any other way impedes lung expansion and contraction. When considering the
compliance of the lungs and thorax together, one should keep in mind any abnor-
mality of the thoracic cage (e.g. kyphosis, scoliosis).
2.6 Summary
The purpose of this chapter was to provide a basic knowledge of anatomy and struc-
ture of the lungs, necessary to understand further developments in this topic. The
morphology plays an important role here, so a great deal of attention has been given
to its implications in fractal analysis. The mechanical properties of the lungs are
the result of a dynamic interplay between structure, active and passive breathing, all
due to variations in pressure between the mouth and the alveoli. An overview of the
spirometry non-invasive lung function test is also provided, since it helps the reader
understand the clinical significance of the mechanical work of respiration.
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