The Question is from neet-zoology breathing-and-exchange-of-gases respiratory-organs, and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

A patient presents with significantly reduced lung compliance and an inability to fully exhale.  Microscopic examination of lung tissue reveals thickened alveolar walls and loss of elastic fibers. Which of the following conditions is the MOST likely diagnosis?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Pulmonary Diseases
	**Related Topics**: Respiratory Physiology, Lung Function, Histopathology
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of normal lung function and the pathophysiology of common lung diseases.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	* Reduced lung compliance (lungs are stiff and difficult to inflate)
	* Inability to fully exhale (suggests obstructive or restrictive lung disease)
	* Thickened alveolar walls
	* Loss of elastic fibers
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Analyze the given symptoms and histopathological findings.
		Reasoning: The symptoms and microscopic findings point towards a restrictive lung disease characterized by fibrosis.
	2. Correlate the findings with the given options.
		Working:  The stiffening of the lungs due to fibrosis directly explains the reduced compliance. The loss of elastic fibers further contributes to the inability to exhale fully.
		Key Point: Thickened alveolar walls and loss of elastic fibers are hallmarks of pulmonary fibrosis.
	3. Select the most appropriate diagnosis.
		Result: Pulmonary fibrosis
		Verification: The presented symptoms and microscopic findings align perfectly with the characteristic features of pulmonary fibrosis.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Emphysema: Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls and enlargement of air spaces, leading to increased lung compliance and air trapping, which is the opposite of the presented case.
[B] :x: Asthma: Asthma is an obstructive lung disease characterized by airway inflammation and bronchospasm.  While it can cause difficulty exhaling, it doesn't typically involve thickened alveolar walls or loss of elastic fibers.
[C] ✓: Pulmonary fibrosis:  Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, leading to reduced lung compliance and difficulty exhaling. The microscopic findings of thickened alveolar walls and loss of elastic fibers confirm this diagnosis.
[D] :x: Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis primarily affects exocrine glands, leading to thick mucus buildup in the airways, causing obstruction. While it can cause breathing difficulties, the primary pathology is different from the described microscopic findings.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing obstructive and restrictive lung diseases:  Understanding the distinct pathophysiology and clinical presentations of each category is crucial.
		2. Overlooking the importance of microscopic findings: Histopathological evidence is essential for accurate diagnosis.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember that 'fibrosis' implies scarring and stiffening.
		2. Associate thickened alveolar walls and loss of elastic fibers with pulmonary fibrosis.

T HARITHA · Answer

Emphysema

T HARITHA · Answer

Asthma

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Pulmonary fibrosis"

T HARITHA · Answer

Cystic fibrosis

NEET Zoology Breathing And Exchange Of Gases Respiratory Organs MCQs

Select Topic

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company