The design of the bronchial tree has been largely proposed as a model of optimal design from a physical-functional perspective. However, the distributive function of the airway may be more related with a geometrical than a physical problem. The bronchial tree must distribute a three dimensional volume of inspired air on a two dimensional alveolar surface, included in an limited volume. In this way, it is valid to ask whether an optimal bronchial tree from a physical perspective, is also optimum from a geometrical point of view.
