Table 1 Distal airways differ from proximal airways in several respects
From: Bench-to-bedside review: Distal airways in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Proximal airways | Distal airways |
|---|---|
> 2 mm in diameter | < 2 mm in diameter |
Small cross-sectional area | Large cross-sectional area |
80–90% of total resistance | 10–20% total resistance |
Turbulent flow | Laminar flow |
No gas exchange (anatomic dead space) | Contributes to gas exchange |