Introduction into principles of lung physiology, which is essential for a better understanding of the application of different ventilation techniques in ICU. Acquisition of the operating modes of modern ventilation machines.

Anatomy of the respiratory tract: physiology of the respiratory tract: pressure magnitudes in lung physiology and in ventilation therapy: compliance, resistance, gas exchange in the lung, lung (blood) perfusion, influence of haemodynamics on the lung function, respiratory insufficiency, ventilation techniques: conventional ventilation techniques, volume/pressure controlled ventilation modes: high frequency ventilation techniques, ventilation monitoring (capnometry), possible flow-dynamic processes under mechanical ventilation, composition and function of ventilation machines.