Abstract
This paper examines features of the respiratory system in humans. It first looks at the tubular system, and the distribution and function of elastic tissue in the lungs. Then the paper studies the respiratory membrane, exploring the membrane composition. The paper concludes by answering why the alveoli are the ideal site for gas exchange in the lungs.

From the Paper
"The respiratory system serves to exchange gases between the blood and the external environment, bringing oxygen into the bloodstream for transportation to the tissues and taking carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs to be expelled into the external environment..."

Tags:bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli

Abstract
Emphysema, also called pulmonary emphysema, is an abnormal distention of the lungs with air; in patients with emphysema, the air ducts and the air sacs, or alveoli, are distended, and there is destruction of the partitions between alveoli and loss of alveoli. This paper provides an overview of the disease, its etiology, treatment, and possible prevention modalities. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"Many people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis, in which inflammation and swelling of bronchial walls obstructs air flow. It is characterized by coughing due to excessive mucus in the airways. The two disorders are grouped together under the heading chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which afflicts nearly 15 million people in the United States. According to Burri (2003), lungs affected by emphysema show loss or degeneration of elastic tissue, disappearance of capillary walls, and breakdown of the alveolar walls."

Tags:chronic, copd, trachea, windpipe

Abstract
This paper describes the abnormal lung condition, emphysema. It discusses the different stages of the disease and describes the signs and symptoms that can be expected in each stage. The paper also looks at diagnostic tests and the physical examination of a person with emphysema. Finally, the paper discusses possible options for medical treatment of emphysema.

From the Paper
"Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, resulting in rupture of the tissue. The damaged tissue cannot actively exchange gases and impedes on the efficiency of healthy areas of the lung. Avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants to the lung can prevent emphysema. Unfortunately, the disease is to be anticipated in those born without optimal amounts of alpha 1-antitrypsin. Although there is no cure, treatments and surgery are available to slow progression of the disease. As with other diseases, being in good shape and good eating habits may help prevent the development as well as promote recovery. Ongoing research on emphysema may bring forth other causes, methods of prevention, treatment, and possibly a cure one day."

Tags:COPD, alveoli, oxygen, lungs, inhalation

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes a lung disease affecting many Americans. Specifically the paper explains what emphysema is, what causes it, how it can be prevented, the clinical features of emphysema, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

From the Paper
"What exactly is a COPD? A COPD is a disease characterized by decreased lung function, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. COPD affect millions of people every year worldwide. If COPD are left untreated, they can lead to heart failure, infection, pneumonia, and ultimately - death. COPD are usually detected in adults between the ages of 40 and 50. Many people are unaware of their illness until it is too late and the doctors are unable to undo its consequences. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking-fortunately, only 10 to 15 percent of moderate to heavy smokers develop COPD. Other causes of COPD are environmental factors, and even a genetic defect, and other forms of COPD include asthma and chronic bronchitis. COPD are treatable but are not curable, because once the lungs are damaged, there is simply no way to regenerate their tissue. Emphysema is probably one of the most well known forms of COPD, and it can be one of the most debilitating, too."

Tags:cigarette, smoking, american, lung, association, walls, between, alveoli, air, sacs

Abstract
The paper offers a definition and description of chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease (COPD). The paper looks at the causes, symptoms, conventional diagnosis, transmission, prognosis and prevention of the disease. The paper seeks to highlight how COPD has long-term and frequently deadly consequences for those who refuse to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

From the Paper
"The online MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia defines Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (Lung) Disease (also known as COPD) as a group of lung diseases which cause swelling of the airways; the same source then lists Emphysema and "chronic bronchitis" as two of the most common forms of COPD (sec.3). To expand upon the last sentence a little more fully, the National (U.S.) Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Lung Disease as being, fundamentally, a progressive state of airway constriction and obstruction that ultimately leads to dramatically reduced lung function - even fatally reduced lung function (1-2). To summarize, Chromic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease may best be described as an incurable and progressive disease that attacks the pulmonary capacity of the lungs; in particular, the disease either (in the case of chronic bronchitis) causes mucus build-up in the bronchial tubes or (in the case of emphysema) sufficiently irritates the alveoli that they become "stiff" and unable to hold air - thereby ensuring that the body is not taking enough oxygen into it at the same time as it cannot get rid of unwanted carbon dioxide (American Academy of Family Physicians, para.1-4)."

Tags:bronchial, tubes, alveoli, airways, constriction, obstruction, emphysema, lifestyle