Imaging the Lung Under Pressure

Abstract

Our main objective was to determine the elasticity (compliance) of the lower (alveoli) and upper (trachea and bronchi) respiratory system in marine mammals (seal and dolphin). A number of measurements will be used to estimate volumes of the respiratory system in deceased marine mammals at varying pressures (depths). We hypothesized that the anatomical differences in the respiratory system in different species would result in volume differences at equivalent conditions. Differences in the elastic properties would result in variation of the alveolar collapse depth for animals diving with the same lung volume. The results will be used to re-parameterize a previous mathematical model that predicts the alveolar collapse depth. This project was separated into two aims: A) computed tomography and associated analyses of respiratory volumes at different pressures; B) mathematical modeling to estimate respiratory volumes and the level of gas exchange.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2010
Accession Number
ADA541723

Entities

People

  • Andreas Fahlman
  • Darlene Ketten
  • Michael J Moore
  • Peter Tyack

Organizations

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animals
  • Chambers
  • Collapse
  • Crush Depths
  • Diving
  • Elastic Properties
  • High Resolution
  • Internal Pressure
  • Mammals
  • Marine Mammals
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Odontocetes
  • Physical Properties
  • Respiratory System
  • Structural Properties
  • X-Ray Computed Tomography

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.