Principal Mechanisms of Respiratory Deposition

The deposition of inhaled particles in the different regions of the respiratory system is very complex, and depends on many factors. Some of the factors influencing respiratory deposition include:

• Breathing rate
• Mouth or nose breathing
• Lung volume
• Respiration volume
• Health of the individual
• Bifurcations in the airways result in a constantly changing hydrodynamic flow field

Depending on the particle size, airflow, and location in the respiratory system, particle deposition occurs via on of the following principal mechanisms:

• Impaction
• Sedimentation
• Interception
• Diffusion

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