What does compliance refer to in the context of lung function?

Compliance in the context of lung function refers to the lung's stretchability or the ability of the lungs to expand when an inhalation occurs. It is a measure of the elastic properties of the lung tissue and its ability to accommodate changes in volume in response to changes in pressure. High compliance indicates that the lungs can stretch easily, while low compliance suggests that the lungs are stiff and require greater effort to expand.

Understanding compliance is crucial in mechanical ventilation as it influences how easily air is delivered into the lungs. For instance, patients with respiratory conditions that affect lung compliance may require different ventilatory strategies to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Thus, defining compliance as the lung's stretchability captures the essence of how lung mechanics operate during breathing and mechanical ventilation.