Parenchymal mechanics at the alveolar level.

Three current questions about alveolar mechanics are discussed: how is the liquid lining of the alveolus maintained, how does surface tension affect alveolar geometry and lung recoil, and how does the parenchyma respond to nonuniform deformations? Modeling the parenchyma as an interconnected network of alveolar walls is emphasized and modifications that are needed to make the models quantitatively successful are suggested.--Wilson, T. A. Parenchymal mechanics at the alveolar level.