Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology
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Introduction
Ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Air moves from high pressure to low pressure with the rate of flow being proportional to the pressure difference. As environmental pressure is generally constant, the respiratory system must change it's internal pressure to maintain air flow.
The lungs are not fixed to the thoracic wall but follow the changing volume of the thoracic cavity thanks to the Pleura.
Inspiration
- During Inspiration, the pressure within the Pleural Cavity drops to less than the pressure of the external environment.
- This is achieved by increasing the lung volume, brought about by the Inspiratory Muscles:
- Diaphragm - contracts - causing the dome to flatten and move caudally.
- Intercostal muscles - External Intercostal Muscles contract - causing the ribs to be pulled outwards cranially.
Expiration
During Expiration, the pressure within the Pleural Cavity increases to greater than that of the external environment, in order to expel air from the lungs. This is achieved by decreasing the lung volume, and is brought about by relaxation of Inspiratory Muscles:
Species Differences
- Avian Ventilation is different to mammalian ventilation, requiring different muscles.
Links
References
- Budras, K.D., McCarthy, P.H., Fricke, W. and Richter, R. (2002) Anatomy of the Dog. 4th ed. Hannover: Schlutersche GmbH & Co. KG, Verlag und Druckerei.