ABSTRACT
We will first describe the driving pressures that generate the breathing movements. Next we will discuss the dynamic forces that develop in opposition to the driving pressures, the static forces having been described in Chapter 16. Finally, the dynamic performance of the respiratory system will be briefly considered. Because the dynamic performance of the respiratory system depends on both lung and chest wall, both components will be considered. This review is focused on recent advances of respiratory dynamics. Detailed accounts of earlier literature can be found elsewhere (Mead and Agostoni, 1964; Rodarte and Rehder, 1986).
