Lung showing emphysema

Object numberGC.2901
TitleLung showing emphysema
DescriptionLung showing emphysema, which presents as fluid-filled sacs called bullae
This ia an old specimen for which there are no clinical details or other record.
The preparation is a segment of lung with numerous superficial bullae, which present as translucent sacs. Some have already collapsed. In one instance the collapse is associated with definite pleural thickening and suggest adhesions have formed at the parietal pleura. These type of bullae are a symptom of emphysema.
Emphysema is a condition characterized by destruction of the gas-exchanging tissues of the lungs, the alveoli, resulting in abnormally large air spaces. Emphysema is caused by cigarette smoking in the main and is part of the syndrome Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Bullous emphysema is characterized by distension of alveolar spaces just below the pleura on the outside surface of the lungs, especially in the upper lobes of the lungs. The pleura becomes weakened and then ruptures and thin walled ‘bubbles’ of weakened pleura form at the pleural surface. The bullae can become huge although in this specimen the bullae are relatively small – anout the size of a grape. Because of the underlying loss of lung tissue the symptoms of bullous emphysema include chest pain, difficulty breathing, chronic cough, and other debilitating symptoms related to a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Object namePLEURA
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen
Dimensions
- Jar Height: 12.0 cm
Width: 7.5 cm
Depth: 5.0 cm