Abstract
Many of the lung’s mechanical properties are influenced by pulmonary surfactant physicochemical characteristics. Pulmonary surfactant is a complex lipid-protein mixture formed in the type II alveolar cells and secreted into the alveolar subphase [1]. These substances reduce the surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lining fluid that coats the interior of the lung. At sufficiently high concentrations, pulmonary surfactant reduces the surface tension to near zero and. in the process, stabilizes the alveoli and small airways [2–4].
Volume Subject Area:
Respiratory Mechanics
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1997 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.