Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue

Destruction of structures supporting alveoli

Destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli

The result is that the small airways collapse during expiration, leading to an obstructive form of lung disease (air is trapped in the lungs in obstructive lung diseases).
- In the case of emphysema, you take in more air, but the lungs cannot further expand.
- The anterior and posterior diameter of the ribs are already increased, and cannot further increase.
- you take in more air but the lungs cannot expand further.