Elastic recoil
Elastic Recoil
Elastic recoil (/ɪˈlæstɪk rɪˈkɔɪl/) is a term used in medicine and physiology to describe the inherent ability of the lungs to return to their resting state after being stretched or expanded. This property is essential for normal respiration.
Etymology
The term "elastic recoil" is derived from the English words "elastic", meaning able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion, and "recoil", meaning to spring or flinch back in reaction.
Function
During inhalation, the lungs expand as they fill with air. The elastic recoil of the lungs then helps to push the air out during exhalation. This is a passive process that does not require any energy expenditure by the body. The strength of the elastic recoil is a major factor in determining the ease with which an individual can breathe.
Related Terms
- Compliance (physiology): The measure of the ability of a hollow organ (such as the lungs) to stretch and expand. In the context of the lungs, it is often inversely related to elastic recoil.
- Surfactant: A substance that reduces the surface tension of the fluid lining the lungs, thereby increasing compliance and reducing the elastic recoil.
- Pulmonary fibrosis: A condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue, leading to decreased compliance and increased elastic recoil.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elastic recoil
- Wikipedia's article - Elastic recoil
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