Emphysema
Emphysema

Emphysema

In the emphysemateous lung, air spaces become enlarged due to increased compliance and destruction of the alveolar walls. Proteolysis of connective tissue components, including elastic fibers, within the alveolar walls increases the compliance of the walls. Neutrophils secrete a variety proteases that digest connective tissue fibers and their increased numbers and activity in alveoli are thought to trigger destruction of the alveolar walls.