RESPIRATORY PATHOLOGY exam 2 with verified answers (updated A+)

what is the mechanism of alveolar destruction in emphysema ? -Answers- Irritants, like cigarette smoke, activate neutrophils/macrophages release cytokines, as well as proteases, like elastases and collagenases. These proteases break down key structural proteins in the connective tissue such as collagen and elastin This makes the airway walls weak and causes them to collapse during exhalation This leads to air-trapping because the collapsed airway traps a tiny bit of air distal to the point of collapse A lack of elastic recoil in combination with a loss of Alveolar Septa produces enlarged airways which consolidate into Bullae = pockets of trapped air which means the surface area available for gas exchange is reduced what are the x-ray findings in COPD -Answers- usually appear clear however their may be signs of hyperinflation: -increased anteroposterior ratio -flattened diaphragm What is centrilobular/centriacinar emphysema? -Answers- Only damages the central or proximal alveoli of the acinus, and typically the upper lobes Seen in smokers because the irritants from smoke aren't able to make it all the way to the distal alveoli what is panacinar emphysema? -Answers- where the entire acinus is uniformly affected, and this is often associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Typically effects the lower lobes much more serious