MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE CHOKE POINTS ARRANGEMENT DURING FORCED EXPIRATION

Flow limitation in the airways, seen as the choke points, plays a fundamental role in constituting the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve. A computational model with asymmetrical airways was used to analyse the choke points arrangement. We conclude that flow limitation begins at similar time in every branch of the bronchial tree (developing a parallel arrangement of the choke points) and may prolong to the end of expiration. A serial configuration of the choke points is possible for short time periods in case of increased airway heterogeneity. The most probable locations of the choke points are the regions of airway junctions.