A Method of Studying the Living Lung in the Closed Thorax, and Some Preliminary Observations

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A window, installed as a chronic preparation in the thoracic wall of the rabbit, permits the microscopic observation of respiratory movements of the lung, subpleural vessels, alveolar sacs, and alveoli. Peripheral pulmonary arterioles usually produce branches at bifurcations which enclose acute angles. These vessels elongate and shorten within connective tissue sleeves and the angles increase and decrease with the phases of the respiratory cycle. The smallest arterioles directly supplying alveolar capillary networks arise mostly at right angles. The functional significance of this mode of branching is discussed. Suggestions are made for the application of the window technique in studies of the living heart, coronary vessels, gastro-intestinal tract and other viscera in the unanesthetized animal.