Includes bibliographical references and index.

The atmosphere -- Functional anatomy of the respiratory tract -- Elastic forces and lung volumes -- Respiratory system resistance -- Control of breathing -- Pulmonary ventilation -- The pulmonary circulation -- Distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion -- Diffusion of respiratory gases -- Carbon dioxide -- Oxygen -- Non-respiratory functions of the lung -- The history of respiratory physiology -- Pregnancy, neonates and children -- Exercise -- Sleep -- High altitude and flying -- High pressure and diving -- Respiration in closed environments and space -- Drowning -- Smoking and air pollution -- Anaesthesia -- Changes in the carbon dioxide tension -- Hypoxia -- Anaemia -- Hyperoxia and oxygen toxicity -- Ventilatory failure -- Airways disease -- Pulmonary vascular disease -- Parenchymal lung disease -- Acute lung injury -- Respiratory support and artificial ventilation -- Lung transplantation.