Preface

Vi

Chapter 1

Structure and Function—How the Architecture of the Lung Subserves its Function

1

Chapter 2

Ventilation—How Gas Gets to the Alveoli

12

Chapter 3

Diffusion—How Gas Gets Across the Blood-Gas Barrier

24

Chapter 4

Blood Flow and Metabolism—How the Pulmonary Circulation Removes Gas from the Lung and Alters Some Metabolites

36

Chapter 5

Ventilation-Perfusion Relationships—How Matching of Gas and Blood Determines Gas Exchange

56

Chapter 6

Gas Transport by the Blood—How Gases are Moved to and from the Peripheral Tissues

77

Chapter 7

Mechanics of Breathing—How the Lung is Supported and Moved

95

Chapter 8

Control of Ventilation—How Gas Exchange is Regulated

125

Chapter 9

Respiratory System Under Stress—How Gas Exchange is Accomplished during Exercise, at Low and High Pressures, and at Birth

141

Chapter 10

Tests of Pulmonary Function—How Respiratory Physiology is Applied to Measure Lung Function

159

Appendix A

Symbols, Units, and Equations

173

Appendix B

Answers

180

Figure Credits

193

Index

195