Elastic recoil

Definition

Elastic recoil is the ability of the lungs to return to their original shape after being stretched or expanded during inhalation. It is a crucial factor in passive exhalation, allowing air to be expelled from the lungs efficiently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elastic recoil is primarily due to the elastic fibers in the lung tissue and surface tension of alveolar fluid.
2. Loss of elastic recoil can lead to obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema.
3. During exhalation, elastic recoil helps decrease lung volume, creating positive pressure that pushes air out.
4. A balance between lung elasticity and chest wall elasticity is essential for normal breathing mechanics.
5. Factors like aging and smoking can reduce elastic recoil by damaging lung tissue.

Review Questions

• What role does elastic recoil play in the process of exhalation?
• How does loss of elastic recoil affect respiratory function?
• What are two main contributors to the lungs' elastic properties?

Related terms

Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, surrounded by capillaries.

Compliance: Measure of how easily the lungs expand and contract with changes in pressure.

Surface Tension: Force exerted by fluid lining alveoli that contributes to alveolar stability but also influences elastic recoil.