A Macroscopic Model for Simulating the Mucociliary Clearance in a Bronchial Bifurcation: The Role of Surface Tension

J Biomech Eng. 2016 Dec 1;138(12). doi: 10.1115/1.4034507.

Abstract

The mucociliary clearance in the bronchial tree is the main mechanism by which the lungs clear themselves of deposited particulate matter. In this work, a macroscopic model of the clearance mechanism is proposed. Lubrication theory is applied for thin films with both surface tension effects and a moving wall boundary. The flow field is computed by the use of a finite-volume scheme on an unstructured grid that replicates a bronchial bifurcation. The carina in bronchial bifurcations is of special interest because it is a location of increased deposition of inhaled particles. In this study, the mucus flow is computed for different values of the surface tension. It is found that a minimal surface tension is necessary for efficiently removing the mucus while maintaining the mucus film thickness at physiological levels.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bronchi / chemistry*
  • Bronchi / physiopathology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Mucociliary Clearance / physiology*
  • Mucus / chemistry*
  • Mucus / metabolism*
  • Surface Tension