History of Respiratory Gas Exchange

摘要: As early as the 6th century B.C. Greeks speculated on a substance pneuma that meant breath or soul, and they argued this was essential for life. An important figure in 2nd A.D. Galen whose school developed an elaborate cardiopulmonary system influenced scientific thinking 1400 years. A key concept blood mixed with from lung left ventricle thus forming vital spirit. It also believed flowed right to of heart through pores interventricular septum but view challenged first by Arab physician Ibn al-Nafis 13th later Michael Servetus 16th century. The 17th saw enormous burgeoning knowledge about respiratory gases. First Torricelli explained origin atmospheric pressure, then group physiologists Oxford clarified properties inspired gas were necessary This culminated work Lavoisier who clearly elucidated nature gases, oxygen, carbon dioxide nitrogen. At time it thought oxygen consumed itself, fact actual metabolism took place peripheral tissues proved be very elusive concept. not until late 19th issue finally settled Pfluger. In 20th there colorful controversy whether secreted lung. During shortly after World War II, momentous strides made understanding pulmonary exchange, particularly role ventilation-perfusion inequality. critical development 1960s introduction electrodes, these have transformed management patients severe disease. © 2011 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 1:1509-1523, 2011.