How do alveoli interact with each other in the lungs?
Answer
Alveoli are small air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They play a crucial role in ensuring efficient gas exchange to maintain proper oxygenation of the blood and removal of waste gases. Alveoli are interconnected and arranged in clusters resembling a honeycomb pattern. The behavior of one alveolus can influence nearby alveoli due to their proximity and interdependence. For instance, if one alveolus collapses or becomes overstretched, it can impact neighboring alveoli. Recognizing the interplay between alveoli is vital for effectively managing patients with lung diseases. Overstretching or collapsing one alveolus can impact neighboring alveoli, affecting overall gas exchange and lung function. Understanding these dynamics helps guide treatment strategies and mechanical ventilation approaches.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course,Mechanical Power at a Glance, presented by presenter,Keith Lamb, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, FCCM.
Keith Lamb, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, FCCM
Keith Lamb, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, FCCM, is a respiratory therapist with over 22 years of clinical experience and is currently working in the Surgery/Trauma Service at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a fellow of both the American Association for Respiratory Care and the American College of Critical Care Medicine. Throughout his clinical career, Keith has held positions as ECMO Director, Research Coordinator, Clinical Specialist, Team Lead, and Staff Respiratory Therapist.
He has authored peer-reviewed publications and participated as Principal Investigator on numerous research initiatives. He is a published author with expertise in areas of respiratory critical care, and lectures in global topics nationally and internationally. His research and clinical work are centered on critical airway and sedation management, mechanical ventilation, and topics that pertain to the management of patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
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