Body size, energy metabolism, and the lungs
- 1 April 1983
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Physiological Society in Journal of Applied Physiology
- Vol. 54 (4) , 867-873
- https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1983.54.4.867
Abstract
The theoretical basis for applying the power function y = aMb to the study of structure-function relationships is discussed. Dimensional analysis and the distinction between intensive and extensive properties of animals show that the mass coefficient a represents the effect of intensive or qualitative factors on the considered function or structure. The theoretical mass exponent is a criterion for the constancy of a and the qualitative sameness of the compared structure or function. Examples from respiratory and metabolic physiology are given.Keywords
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