Fractal perspectives in pulmonary physiology.

Like other organs that exchange substantial quantities of material with blood, the lung accommodates a large two-dimensional surface in a component three-dimensional volume. The lung's structure shows a resemblance to certain one- and two-dimensional mathematical functions that possess plane- and space-filling properties. When viewed from a conventional geometric perspective, many of the familiar forms and functions of pulmonary tissue appear to possess unusual qualities that defy explanation. Mathematically, they behave as though they had a fractional geometric dimension. This property is shared by a class of functions known as fractals. Fractals are described, and practical techniques are presented to measure the properties of the edges and surfaces of the lung. The consequences of fractal structure are also considered for the bronchial tree, pulmonary vasculature, and microcirculation. Insights arising from viewing the lung in this new perspective are summarized.