Handbook of Physiology Section 3,Vol. IV: Gas Exchange

This fourth and last volume on the respiratory system deals with the ultimate goal of the system: gas exchange. To fulfil this role the lungs cyclically expand and contract and the alveoli are perfused. The regulatory function is geared to optimize the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Like other areas of repiratory physiology, the study of gas exchange has made giant strides since the first edition of the Handbook was published. Though much of what was written remains important,...
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This fourth and last volume on the respiratory system deals with the ultimate goal of the system: gas exchange. To fulfil this role the lungs cyclically expand and contract and the alveoli are perfused. The regulatory function is geared to optimize the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Like other areas of repiratory physiology, the study of gas exchange has made giant strides since the first edition of the Handbook was published. Though much of what was written remains important, and has served as a basis for more recent developments, this edition also extends into the newer fields of respiratory biology. The broader sweep is exemplified by topics that had no previous counterparts: development and growth of the lungs, pulmonary circulation, pulmonary metabolism, and pulmonary defence mechanisms. Among the familiar topics that are delved into more deeply in this edition are lung volumes and ventilation, mechanical properties of the lungs and thorax, control of breathing, and respiratory gas exchange. The text follows the normal sequence of topics, from the description of basic physical principles to their application under normal and unusual conditions.