Room 28: A Case Study Essay

Due to its anatomical structure, this thin and permeable epithelium is found in areas of the body where protection is not important and where there is a high demand for filtration or exchange of substances by rapid diffusion. Along with rapid diffusion, simple squamous epithelium secretes lubricating substances in serosae which keeps the surface smooth and reduces the overall amount of surface friction. This highly permeable epithelium can be found in the kidney glomeruli; lining of heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels; lining of the ventral body cavity (serosae) and the air sacs of the lungs. In Room 28’s case, simple squamous epithelium forms the walls of the alveoli where gas exchange occurs (Hoehn &Marieb, 2010b).
Although the main function of the alveoli is gas exchange, there are two other important features that contribute to its viability in the human body: alveolar pores and macrophages. Alveolar pores equalizes air pressure within the lungs and provides
The risk for chronic or progressive lung infections increase in COPD or emphysema patients due to the destruction of the lungs phagocytic cells, also known as the alveolar macrophages. The lack of an innate lung defense, as a result of smoking and environmental irritants, is demonstrated by the inability of the macrophages to locate the antigens and to begin the process of phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process where phagocytic cells, such as macrophages, engulf and digest bacteria or antigens to protect the body from disease and infection. Due to the inability of the alveolar macrophages to complete phagocytosis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections are a major concern for COPD and emphysema patients. After further examination, Room 28 did not present signs of infection (National Institute of Health,