It provides the stretchable characteristic of the lung. Destruction of elastin is thought to be the key step in the production of emphysema. A condition characterized by the destruction of the walls of airspaces which result in permanently abnormal enlarged air spaces. This condition decreases the amount of lung surface available for the uptake of oxygen. The resistance to air flow in the air passages is increased requiring more breathing effort.
Severe emphysema is characterized by a profound sense of breathlessness.
They are fundamental to virtually all biochemical processes. They are increased in several classes of disease including allergic diseases. Cells lining the walls of certain organs, such as the airways of the lung. The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. All rights reserved.