Optimal specimen handling is essential for the accurate interpretation of biopsies and cytologic preparations obtained in the course of evaluating the patient with lung disease. The limited number of sampling techniques available can be divided into three general categories: bronchoscopy,…
As the name implies, pulmonary function testing provides quantification of pulmonary physiologic function. By definition this information is disease independent and static, representing a point-in-time evaluation. Nonetheless, this information can be very helpful for building a differential diagnosis. In fact,…
Development and gross anatomy Airway development During early embryogenesis (at approximately day 21 after fertilization), the lungs begin as a groove in the ventral floor of the foregut ( Fig. 1.1 ). This foregut depression becomes a diverticulum of endoderm,…