Figures
- Figure 1
Schematic diagram summarising the main features of the female respiratory system compared with males. CAW: compliance of the airways; CL: lung compliance; RAW: airway resistance; RCM: ribcage respiratory muscles; VC: vital capacity; WOBEL: elastic component of work of breathing; WOBRES: resistive component of work of breathing. ↑: increment compared with men; ↓: decrement compared with men; ≈ : no change between sexes. #: until menopause.
Tables
- Table 1
Anatomy of the female respiratory system compared with males
Airways Lung Chest wall Pharynx Volume ↓ Rib cage Cross-sectional area ↓ Total alveolar number ↓ Cross-sectional area ↓
Resistance↓ Alveolar surface area ↓ Antero–posterior diameter ↓
Patency↑ Alveolar number per unit area ≈ Lateral diameter ↓ Larynx Alveolar number per unit volume ≈ Thoracic index# ≈ Glottis cross-sectional area ≈ Shape ↓ pyramidal Perimeter ↓ Absolute dimension ↓ Volume (absolute) ↓ Thyroid cartilage angle ↑ Volume (% chest wall volume) ≈ Trachea Ribs inclination ↑ Cross-sectional area (absolute) ↓ Ribs movement ↑ pump-handle Cross-sectional area (standardised for lung size) ≈ Diaphragm Total length ↓ Length in the zone of apposition ↓ Dome-shape factor on lateral projection ↑ Dome-shape factor on antero–posterior projection ≈ Height of the dome ≈ ↑: increased compared with men; ↓: decreased compared with men; ≈ : no change between sexes. #: antero–posterior diameter/lateral diameter.
Vol 14 Issue 2
Table of Contents
Sex differences in respiratory function
