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Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Lung Fixation under Constant Pressure for Evaluation of Emphysema in Mice
05:48

Lung Fixation under Constant Pressure for Evaluation of Emphysema in Mice

Published on: September 26, 2019

Structural and physiological age-associated changes in aging lungs.

Martin R Miller1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Nuffield House, Birmingham, United Kingdom. martin.miller@uhb.nhs.uk

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|October 14, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

As people age, lung tissues change, reducing elastic recoil and airflow. Remaining lung function is key for survival predictions in the elderly.

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Automated Vibratome Sectioning of Agarose-Embedded Lung Tissue for Multiplex Fluorescence Imaging
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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Lung Fixation under Constant Pressure for Evaluation of Emphysema in Mice
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Lung Fixation under Constant Pressure for Evaluation of Emphysema in Mice

Published on: September 26, 2019

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Automated Vibratome Sectioning of Agarose-Embedded Lung Tissue for Multiplex Fluorescence Imaging

Published on: October 6, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Gerontology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Aging lung tissues exhibit increased alveolar size without wall destruction.
  • This leads to reduced alveolar surface tension and diminished lung elastic recoil.
  • Age-related decline in muscle performance and increased chest wall stiffness further impact lung mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe age-related changes in lung tissues and their functional consequences.
  • To explore the impact of aging on maximum airflow and lung volumes.
  • To discuss the challenges in predicting lung function in the elderly and guide treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of age-related structural changes in lung tissues.
  • Assessment of changes in lung mechanics, including elastic recoil and airflow.
  • Evaluation of the influence of aging on respiratory muscle function and chest wall compliance.

Main Results:

  • Increased alveolar size and reduced elastic recoil lead to decreased maximum airflow.
  • Diminished muscle performance and stiffer chest wall increase residual volume.
  • Arterial oxygenation shows a small decrease, stabilizing after age 70.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related lung changes impact respiratory function, affecting airflow and volumes.
  • Predicting lung function based on percentage of predicted values can be biased.
  • Focusing on remaining lung function aids in survival predictions and treatment planning for the elderly.