Lung Stereology

Abstract

The lung is an organ whose volume consists of 80% air and that is responsible for gas exchange. Its alveoli provide a thin barrier and a large surface area for that exchange. Information about the general structure of the lung is essential for designing studies. Due to its sponge-like structure, chemical and physical effects rapidly impact the lung. This causes errors in the quantitative results obtained from the organ. Selecting the appropriate fixative and employing an accurate sampling design is therefore essential in experimental studies. Structural measurements can be easily performed after routine procedures applicable to lung tissue. Stereological studies, which are unbiased and effective in lung studies, are highly preferable because this yields the closest values to reality. However, research with sampling strategies and methods appropriate to the parameters to be analyzed needs to be performed. This chapter summarizes the points to be considered in lung studies and the stereological approaches that can be used in these. © 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.