MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Alveolar abnormalities

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Alveolar abnormalities

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	References

Illustrations

Lungs

Definition Return to top

Alveolar abnormalities are changes in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. The alveoli allow oxygen to enter the blood. These air sacs may collapse, fuse together, or develop thickened membranes, making it difficult for oxygen to enter the blood.

References Return to top

Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Murray JF, Nadel JA. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2005.

Paterson A. Imaging evaluation of congenital lung abnormalities in infants and children. Radiol Clin North Am. February 2004;125:669-682.

Update Date: 3/1/2007

Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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