Sex differences in thoracic dimensions and configuration.

The volume of adult female lungs is typically 10-12% smaller than that of males who have the same height and age. In this study, we investigated how this volume difference is distributed between the rib cage and the diaphragm abdomen compartments. Internal rib cage dimensions, diaphragm position relative to spine, and diaphragm length were compared in 21 normal male and 19 normal female subjects at three different lung volumes using anterior-posterior and lateral chest radiographs.

Effects of emphysema and lung volume reduction surgery on transdiaphragmatic pressure and diaphragm length.

Study Objectives: To determine the effect of emphysema and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on diaphragm length (Ldi) and its capacity to generate transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi).

Design: Prospective clinical trial with a parallel group design.

Setting: Laboratory investigations in normal volunteers recruited by advertisement and in emphysema outpatients being evaluated for elective LVRS.