Respiratory Physiology of the Fetus and Newborn Infant

Abstract

A SURGE of interest in physiologic events accompanying labor, delivery and the newborn infant's adaptation to his new environment has taken place over the past twenty-five years. Many factors account for this, and it is difficult to place them in order of sequence or priority. Perhaps the most important is the pioneering work of Sir Joseph Barcroft. This has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration, arousing the curiosity of physiologist and clinician alike. At the same time infant mortality during the first seven days of life has remained high despite the advent of antibiotics and a . . .