Using computed tomography (CT), geometrical changes in pulmonary structures in 4 human volunteers were analyzed. A series of parallel transaxial CT scans of the lung were obtained for each volunteer while he held his breath at maximal inspiration and maximal expiration. Changes in pulmonary structures were evaluated by comparing the maximal inspiration scans for each slice position. The longitudinal displacement of the lung volume was categorized as either a rib cage displacement or a diaphragm-abdominal displacement. The ratio of diaphragm-abdominal contribution to vital capacity was 0.49–0.65 for the volunteers. The thoracic volume displacement was categorized as either a mediastinal displacement or a rib cage displacement. The former was considerably larger than the latter. Since the rostral end of the mediastinum is fixed to the thoracic cage and the caudal end is fixed to the diaphragm, we conclude that the mediastinum-diaphragm boundary converts the axial force generated by the diaphragmatic excursion into radial force.

Keywords:
Mediastinum, Diaphragm, Rib cage, Lung volume, Lung mechanics
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.