Human lung parenchyma: tensile mechanics and the effects of smoking

Abstract Pulmonary disease is a globally leading cause of morbidity and mortality, largely attributable to the lung’s chronic particulate inhalation. Pervasive environmental hazards and, notably, habitual smoking produce inflammation and damage, consequently changing tissue- and organ-scale mechanical properties. While the parenchyma is regarded as a site of major disease manifestation, the mechanical characterization remains remarkably lacking, and even more rare for human lungs and considerati