title: Body size, energy metabolism, and the lungs.
abstract: The theoretical basis for applying the power function y = aMb to the study of structure-function relationships is discussed. Dimensional analysis and the distinction between intensive and extensive properties of animals show that the mass coefficient a represents the effect of intensive or qualitative factors on the considered function or structure. The theoretical mass exponent is a criterion for the constancy of a and the qualitative sameness of the compared structure or function. Examples from respiratory and metabolic physiology are given.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008433:Mathematics; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013499:Surface Properties