How Does Histology Relate to Compromised Lung Function?
Histological changes in lung tissue can significantly impact its function. Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis involve distinct histopathological alterations. For instance, in COPD, there is a loss of alveolar walls and enlargement of air spaces, severely affecting gas exchange. Asthma involves thickening of the basement membrane and increased mucus production, obstructing airways. In pulmonary fibrosis, excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins leads to stiffening of lung tissue, impairing its elasticity.
