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Does connective tissue contribute to lung compliance?

Does connective tissue contribute to lung compliance?

Factors affecting lung compliance include elasticity from the elastin in connective tissue and surface tension, which is decreased by surfactant production. The net compliance (lung-chest wall system) allows the lungs to achieve appropriate functional residual capacity, the volume remaining after passive expiration.

What is the normal range for lung compliance?

Normal adult lung compliance ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 L/cm H20. Compliance is measured under static conditions; that is, under conditions of no flow, in order to eliminate the factors of resistance from the equation. Using this equation, total compliance of the lung and the chest wall becomes approximately 0.2 L/cm H20.

What will increase lung compliance?

Pulmonary surfactant increases compliance by decreasing the surface tension of water. The internal surface of the alveolus is covered with a thin coat of fluid. The water in this fluid has a high surface tension, and provides a force that could collapse the alveolus.

What conditions may affect lung compliance and airway resistance?

For example, in asthma attacks the bronchioles spasm and constrict, which increases resistance. Emphysema also increases airway resistance because the lung tissue becomes too pliable and it the airways become more difficult to hold open by the flow of air.

What are restrictive lung diseases?

Restrictive lung diseases are chronic lung conditions that limit the ability of a person’s lungs to expand during inhalation. Most cases of restrictive lung diseases are not curable, but they are often manageable with medication and exercise regimes.

What are the causes of restrictive lung disease?

Some conditions causing restrictive lung disease are:

  • Interstitial lung disease, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease.
  • Obesity, including obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
  • Scoliosis.
  • Neuromuscular disease, such as muscular dystrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)