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The fractal structure of the lung ends with relatively smooth tissue after a finite amount of branching. So the usual arguments about fractals notwithstanding,
by btilly 7y ago
The fractal structure of the lung ends with relatively smooth tissue after a finite amount of branching. So the usual arguments about fractals notwithstanding, there actually is a finite area to discuss that makes sense.
- whatshisface 7y agoSure, but if you look closer you will see that all of the cells have holes for stuff to go in and out, and the proteins sticking up from the surface have shapes, and so on. That's why I said "the atomic scale" not "the microscopic scale."
- tinus_hn 7y agoOn the atomic scale surfaces are not continuous so they don’t really have a surface area. You can’t infinitely zoom in like you can in a real fractal.
- jshevek 7y agoAny claim about surface area that relies on the examination at the atomic scale is no longer due to the fractal nature of the lung's branches. Such claims would be equality true (or false) of non-fractal organs.