This book answers that need by providing a series of chapters that guide the reader in a natural order of learning about the respiratory system.  In particular, after a general overview of the structure-function design of the lung and the history of pulmonary function testing, authors begin with the drive to breathe, and then follow the pathway of air as it is drawn into the lung, undergoes gas exchange, and is then exhaled back out again.  Each chapter focuses on the key principles and corresponding pulmonary function tests that explain each step in this pathway. Each chapter is written by at least two experts, one with expertise in the underlying physiology, and the other with expertise in the clinical testing and application of pulmonary function testing in practice. Many figures and tables highlight key points, and multiple case studies in each section provide specific examples of the clinical application of each pulmonary function test. This is an ideal guide to pulmonary function tests for practicing pulmonologists, residents, fellows, and medical students.  weiterlesen