Chapter 1 - Molecular Determinants of Lung Morphogenesis

There is increasing medical interest in differences between females and males in both normal lung development, as well as in the incidence and expression of many pediatric lung disorders. This chapter aims to highlight the influence of gender on the development, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pulmonary diseases. While it is likely that biological, environmental, behavioral, and socio-cultural factors underlie the gender differences in respiratory disease, many of the pathophysiologic mechanisms are not well delineated. The chapter reviews the anatomical, functional, and hormonal differences between the respiratory systems of females and males and delineates how changes occur from prenatal development through the adolescent years. Some common respiratory diseases with gender-specific differences are also reviewed.