1. Mechanical characteristics of elastin and collagen: Young module (stress/strain) (see table 1).
Mechanical characteristics of elastin and collagen: Young module (stress/strain) (see table 1). Stress/strain relationship of: a) one; b) two; and c) seven elastin/collagen pairs of elasticity K (–––) and maximal length L (……). The elastin/collagen pairs have the same K but different L and are connected in series (○: stress/strain at which the various collagen fibres become unfolded and reach their stop length). d) Stress/strain relationship obtained in tissue strips (––––: behaviour of whole system; – – – –: elastic behaviour of elastin fibres; : elastic behaviour of collagen fibres; ═: elastin stress at rupture limit). It appears that the stress at rupture (indicated by vertical arrow) is 1,000 kPa. As the ratio between tissue and air is ∼1:100, the stress at rupture in the lung should be ∼1,000/100 kPa, i.e. 100 cmH2O. AU: arbitrary units. (d) adapted from 19.
L. Gattinoni et al. Eur Respir J 2003;22:15s-25s
©2003 by European Respiratory Society