Biomechanics of breathing.

Lungs ventilation
 Respiration
External respiration (Ventilation
and the exchange of gases (oxygen
and carbon dioxide) between the air
and blood )

Internal respiration (oxygen

utilization by the tissues)
 Airway zones
Conductive (Leading ) zone
Transient (transit ) zone
Respiratory zone

Of the total volume of the lungs

conductive zone is about 150 ml,
transient - about 1500 ml.
 Functions of the respiratory
pathways
1. Warming.
2. Moisturizing.
3. Clearing the air
Inhaled air: t 18-22 C, 45-55% BB
In the bronchi: t 37 C, 100% BB
Respiratory muscles
Main muscles for
inspiration:
diaphragm and
external intercostal,
intercartilaginous
muscles
Muscles for
expiration: internal
intercostal,
pectoral, abdominal
muscles
 Calm inspiration is an active
process. The contraction of the
inspiratory muscles and diaphragm
increases intrathoracic volume. It
stretches the thorax and lungs.
Calm expiration is a passive

process. The thorax and lungs recoil

when the respiratory muscles relax.
 Inspiration
the dome of the diaphragm
flattens, ribs elevate
In the rest, 4/5 of
inhalational work is done by
diaphragm.
Pressure in the alveoli
reduces below atmospheric,
the air moves under pressure
gradient into the lungs
 Exhalation

Normally is a passive
process. After relaxation
of muscles, due to the
elastic tension of thorasic
tissues air is removed

(Becoming active during

bronchial obstruction)
Inspiration Exspiration
Effect of Rib and Sternum
Movement on Thoracic Volume
 Pressure in the lungs and
intrapleural pressure
Intrapleural pressure is always
lower than the alveolar one:
First: chest is a sealed
container.
Second, the lungs are
characterized by elastic tension,
which is due to these factors:
1. presence of ellastic fibers,
which make 1 / 3 of elastic
tention;
2. surface tension of the liquid
layer on the inner surface of
alveoli, which makes 2 / 3 of
the elastic tension of the lungs.
Thirdly, negative pressure in
the pleural cavity is maintained
by the large absorbtion capacity
of pleural leaves.
Physiological dead space
 Breathing act (respiratory
movements):
inspiration
expiration,
their value on average equals to 1:1,2
in adults.
The frequency of respiratory
movements in an adult - 16-20
respiratory movements for 1 minute.
 Evaluation of functional state
of the respiratory system
1. Tidal volume (breathing air) - a volume of air that is inhaled
or exhaled at rest. Normally it is - 0,3-0,8 l (mean 0.5 ml).

2. Inspiratory reserve volume (additional air) - is the

maximum volume of air you can inhale above after the calm
inspiration. Normally it is 1.5-2.0 l.

3. Expiratory reserve volume (air backing) - is the maximum

volume of air you can exhale above after the calm expiration.
Normally it is 1,0-1,5 liters.

4. Residual volume (residual air) - the amount of air that

remains in the lungs after maximum exhalation. Normally it is
1,0-1,5 liters.
Spirometer,
Lung Volumes,
and Lung
Capacities
 Lung capacity
1. The total maximum lung capacity - the maximum volume of
air that fits in the lungs or the sum of all lung volumes. Normally
is 4,5-6,5 liters.

2.Vital lung capacity - the largest amount of air you can exhale
after maximum inhalation or the amount of the first three
volumes. Normally it is: women - 3,0-3,5 l; in men - 3,5-5,0
liters.

3. Inspiratory capacity - the maximum amount of air you can

breathe after calm exhalation, or the amount of the first two
volumes. Normally it - 1,8-2,8 liters.

4. Functional residual capacity - the amount of air contained in

the lungs after calm exhalation or the amount of the last two
volumes. Normally - 2.5-3.5 liters.
Appropriate Vital Capacity value
Men [27.63 - (0.112 x age in
years)] height in cm
for women [21.78 - (0.101 age in
years)] height in cm
Normally the actual VC can
deviate up to 15%
 Alveolar ventilation

Alveolar ventilation is a volume of air that

enters the alveoli of the lungs per unit of
time.

Alveolar ventilation =
(TV - Dead Space) BR
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