August Krogh

August Krogh Bain 32006

August Krogh (1874–1949) was a Danish physiologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the mechanism of gas exchange in the lungs, and the regulation of blood vessels and capillaries. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920 for his discovery of the capillary motor regulating mechanism.

Early Life and Education

August Krogh was born on November 15, 1874, in Grenaa, Denmark. He pursued his education at the University of Copenhagen, where he initially studied zoology and later shifted his focus to physiology. Krogh's early work was influenced by his mentor, Christian Bohr, who was the father of the famous physicist Niels Bohr.

Research and Discoveries

Krogh's most notable work was on the regulation of blood flow in the capillaries. He discovered that the number of capillaries open to blood flow varies according to the tissue's requirement for oxygen, a mechanism that ensures efficient oxygen delivery to different parts of the body. This discovery, known as the Krogh Principle, has had a profound impact on the fields of physiology and medicine.

In addition to his work on capillaries, Krogh conducted pioneering research on respiratory physiology. He developed methods for measuring the gas exchange in the lungs, which contributed to our understanding of how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.

Krogh was also interested in other areas of physiology and applied his knowledge to problems in diverse fields such as zoology and environmental science. He investigated the adaptations of animals to their environments and studied the mechanisms of water and electrolyte balance in the body.

Legacy

August Krogh's contributions to physiology have left a lasting legacy. His work on the capillary motor mechanism not only earned him the Nobel Prize but also laid the foundation for later research in cardiovascular physiology and medicine. Krogh's interdisciplinary approach to science, combining rigorous experimentation with a broad interest in biology, has inspired generations of scientists.

Throughout his career, Krogh was known for his dedication to science and his ability to apply physiological principles to a wide range of biological problems. He was a mentor to many students and young scientists, and his teachings and research have had a lasting impact on the field of physiology.

Awards and Honors

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1920)
• Elected a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters
• Numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world

Death and Legacy

August Krogh passed away on September 13, 1949. His work continues to influence the fields of physiology, medicine, and biology. The Krogh Principle, in particular, remains a fundamental concept in the study of blood flow and oxygen delivery in the body.