Book excerpt: Comparative Biology of the Normal Lung, Second Edition, offers a rigorous and comprehensive reference for all those involved in pulmonary research. This fully updated work is divided into sections on anatomy and morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and immunological response. It continues to provide a unique comparative perspective on the mammalian lung. This edition includes several new chapters and expanded content, including aging and development of the normal lung, mechanical properties of the lung, genetic polymorphisms, the comparative effect of stress of pulmonary immune function, oxygen signaling in the mammalian lung and much more. By addressing scientific advances and critical issues in lung research, this 2nd edition is a timely and valuable work on comparative data for the interpretation of studies of animal models as compared to the human lung. - Edited and authored by experts in the field to provide an excellent and timely review of cross-species comparisons that will help you interpret and compare data from animal studies to human findings - Incorporates lung anatomy and physiology, cell specific interactions and immunological responses to provide you with a single and unique multidisciplinary source on the comparative biology of the normal lung - Includes new and expanded content on neonatal and aged lungs, developmental processes, cell signaling, antioxidants, airway cells, safety pharmacology and much more - Section IV on Physical and Immunological Defenses has been significantly updated with 9 new chapters and an increased focus on the pulmonary immunological system