Abstract
The present study is aimed to investigate if aerodynamic valving works in the junction between the primary bronchus and vertebral bronchi in a real avian lung during inspiration. Airways of a male quail were scanned with a micro CT, and airways, such as the primary bronchus and vertebral bronchi, were reconstructed from CT images. Flow in the airways was numerically solved under a condition of all outlets having the same pressure. Results showed flow separation at the first junction between the primary bronchus and the ventrobronchus due to the constriction located just proximal to the junction. The separated flow caused formation of vortices in the root of vertebral bronchi after the peak of an inspiration phase. They worked like a lid helping prevent air from going into the ventrobronchi and directing it to the mesobronchi. It was also shown that an increase in the acceleration of inflow induced quicker formation of vortices, and resulted in leading more air volume to the mesobronchi.
