Comparative Anatomy of the Respiratory Systems in High Altitude vs. Low Altitude Populations
Authors: Sehar Fatima  , Sahar Ijaz  , Syed Asadullah Arslan  , Ibrahim Mohammed  , Kashif Ali Sultan  , Parvin Akbarov Alakbar  
Published: June 2024

Background: The comparative anatomy of the respiratory systems in high-altitude versus low-altitude populations offers significant insights into human adaptation to hypoxic conditions. High-altitude populations, exposed to chronic hypobaric hypoxia, exhibit distinct physiological adaptations that enhance oxygen uptake, transport, and utilization. This study investigates these adaptations by comparing the respiratory systems of high-altitude and low-altitude residents.
Objective: To compare the respiratory anatomy and function between high-altitude and low-altitude populations, elucidating the physiological adaptations to chronic hypoxia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 200 participants, with 100 individuals from high-altitude regions (>2,500 meters) and 100 from low-altitude regions (sea level). Inclusion criteria required participants to be aged 18-60 years, non-smokers, and free from chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Data collection involved medical history interviews, physical examinations, spirometry to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), chest radiographs to evaluate lung volumes and structural differences, and blood tests for hemoglobin concentration. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with independent t-tests and chi-square tests used for comparisons, and multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounders.
Results: The high-altitude group demonstrated significantly higher hemoglobin levels (17.5 ± 1.2 g/dL) compared to the low-altitude group (14.2 ± 1.1 g/dL, p < 0.001). Lung volumes, including FVC (4.8 ± 0.7 L vs. 4.1 ± 0.6 L, p < 0.001) and FEV1 (4.0 ± 0.5 L vs. 3.4 ± 0.4 L, p < 0.001), were significantly greater in the high-altitude group. Total lung capacity was also higher (6.3 ± 0.8 L vs. 5.5 ± 0.7 L, p < 0.001), as was alveolar surface area (130 ± 15 m² vs. 110 ± 10 m², p < 0.001). Respiratory muscle strength measurements showed higher maximal inspiratory pressure (130 ± 20 cmH₂O vs. 110 ± 18 cmH₂O, p < 0.001) and maximal expiratory pressure (160 ± 22 cmH₂O vs. 140 ± 20 cmH₂O, p < 0.001) in the high-altitude group.
Conclusion: High-altitude populations exhibit significant respiratory adaptations, including increased lung volumes, enhanced alveolar surface area, higher hemoglobin concentrations, and improved respiratory muscle strength, to cope with chronic hypoxia. These findings enhance the understanding of human adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for medical practice in managing hypoxia-related conditions.
Keywords: High-Altitude Adaptation, Respiratory System, Chronic Hypoxia, Lung Volumes, Hemoglobin Concentration, Respiratory Muscle Strength, Physiological Adaptations, Hypobaric Hypoxia