Microcirculation of the Tracheobronchial Tree

Abstract

IT was noted during injection studies of the vasa vasorum of the pulmonary artery that the tracheal mucosa possesses an interesting vascular pattern. Further studies were made by injecting indian ink, with or without gelatin, into the arteries or veins of the trachea after washing out the blood with saline. Physiological pressures were used and appropriate vessels were ligated to prevent leakage into the general circulation. Whole-mounts of the trachea and main bronchi were prepared after dehydration and clearing. The tracheobronchial microcirculation of man, rhesus monkey, dog, cat, rabbit, guinea-pig and rat were compared.