Axial forces in the bronchial tree.

Dog airways in situ are longer and extend more with inflation than when dissected out. The associated deformation of the parenchyma, from considerations of elasticity, appears to be small. The associated axial forces, to the extent they are transmitted along the tree, are governed by branching angles. Overall, average angles are such as would maintain constant axial stress along the tree and thus favor symmetrical lengthening. But locally, angles indicate considerable variation of transmitted stresses. Since radiography shows relatively homogeneous lengthening, we infer powerful local axial stabilization. In confirmation, dog airways were much less extended by locally applied forces in situ than excised. Do forced expirations apply substantial axial forces? In one subjects, during forced expiration, airway pressure fell abruptly near the carina but calculations showed relatively small axial forces applied to the airway. However, we speculate that large forces may be applied by airway plugs. We conclude that parenchyma stabilizes airway length against variably transmitted axial forces, and, perhaps, forces on airway plugs.