p/v curve

compliance
p/v curve (pressure/volume curve)
 Compliance

 T he slope of the pressure-volume curve, or the volume change per unit

pressure change, is known as the compliance.
 In the normal range (expanding pressure of about −5 to −10 cm water), the lung is
remarkably distensible or very compliant.
 The compliance of the human lung is about 200 ml·cm water−1.
 However, at high expanding pressures, the lung is stifer, and its compliance is
smaller, as shown by the fatter slope of the curve
 Factors affecting lung compliance include elasticity from the elastin in
connective tissue and surface tension, which is decreased by surfactant
production.
 There are two types of compliance: dynamic and static.
 Static compliance is always a higher value than dynamic

Dynamic compliance
• Compliance measured during breathing, which involves a combination
of lung compliance and airway resistance.
• Defined as the change in lung volume per unit change in pressure in the
presence of flow

Static compliance
•It is the compliance when there is no airflow, like an inspiratory pause.
•Defined as the change in lung volume per unit change in pressure in the
absence of flow.