A study of the role of air trapping in the establishment of the functional residual capacity by analysis of pressure/volume and flow/volume loops.
Pulmonary mechanics were measured in 22 normal, full-term babies as soon as quiet, regular breathing was established. The method included construction of tidal resistance profiles, by which it was demonstrated that 'air trapping' is probably not the major factor in establishing and maintaining the functional residual capacity immediately after birth.
D000388:Air; D000403:Airway Resistance; D005105:Expiratory Reserve Volume; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D010991:Plethysmography; D012119:Respiration; D013990:Tidal Volume