Comparative physiology of lung complexity: implications for gas exchange.
Lungs evolved to increase diffusing capacity by compartmentalizing and reducing the size of individual gas exchange units. This increased the potential for gas exchange limitations from ventilation-perfusion heterogeneity. However, comparative studies on reptiles, birds, and mammals show that heterogeneity is independent of lung complexity.
Powell
Frank L
FL
Physiology Division, Department of Medicine, and White Mountain Research Station, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037-0623, USA.
Hopkins
Susan R
SR
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D010828:Physiology, Comparative; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D012104:Reptiles / Q000502:physiology*