Pathology and Microbiology for Mortuary Science CH-11

Emphysema

A chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system, characterized by the presence of air pockets at the terminal ends of the bronchioles

Atelectasis

A collapsed lung or failure of the lung of a fetus to expand fully at birth. Technically it is the loss of lung volume due to inadequate expansion of airspaces, which results in inadequate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange within the lungs

Flail chest

A life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks due to trauma and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.

Polyp

A tumor with a pedicle

Anthracosis

Also known as black lung

Lung Abcess

An area of inflamed, pus-filled tissue in the lung caused by infection. Usually caused by bacteria that have been inhaled from the nose and mouth, resulting in an infection

Pneumonia

An inflammation of the lungs, although the term is clinically used to refer to an infection of the lungs Mainly caused by a bacterial infection, but viruses can also cause this (Infection of the lungs)

Tracheitis

Any inflammation of the trachea; however, the term normally refers to a bacterial infection of the trachea resulting in blockage of the wind pipe Most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Cyanosis

Blueish discoloration of the skin or mucus membrane due to lack of oxygen

Coal workers pneumoconiosis

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is also known as black lung disease or anthracosis

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Commonly listed by physical as a cause of death on death certificates. It is a respiratory disorder in which the brochioles become occluded, and the alveolar sacs become dehydrated.

Asthma

Condition which is sometimes chronic, in which the bronchi are hypersensitive to stimuli

Postmortem conditions associated with respiratory disorders

Cyanosis Emaciation Hydrothorax Hemorrhage Cavitation

Cavitation

Formation of cavities within the lungs or other organs, often caused by tuberculosis

Tuberculosis

Highly contagious disease that is spread through the air.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of any or all of the four sinus cavities that the skull open into the nasal passage

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi, which are the main air passages to the lungs For chronic there must be the presence of a cough with mucus most days of the month for at least three months

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx (voice box)

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal passages A term describing the symptoms produced by nasal irritation or inflammation

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx (throat)

Pleurisy (Pleuritis)

Inflammatory condition of the pleurea that surrounds the lungs.

Pneumoconiosis

Inflammatory disorder of the respiratory system caused by inhalation of mineral dust

Silicosis

Inhalation of crystalline silica, which primarily occurs as a result of occupational exposure High risk occupations: sandblasting, quarry mining, drilling, tunneling, and stone cutting

Staphylococcus aureus

Most common cause of tracheitis

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Persons who die from this disorder exhibit a characteristic cherry-red discoloration of the skin and mucus membrane

Berylliosis

Poisoning by beryllium or beryllium compounds, especially by inhalation causing fibrosis of the lungs.

Common cold

Rhinovirus and coronavirus are the two most common causes. Symptoms and signs roughly last about two weeks

Intercostal retractions

These occur when the muscles of the ribs pull in as the person attempts to breath

Asbestosis

is a pneumoconiosis resulting from the inhalation of asbestos, which is crystalline form of silica has a fibrous structure

Empyema

when the exudate that develops between the pleura contains pus

Asphyxia

The inability to take in necessary amounts of oxygen

Cystic fibrosis

The most common fatal genetic disease in the United States. It is a terminal disease in most cases at an average age of 20