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“atelectasis”
atelectasis (s); atelectases (pl)
1. An incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth, because of a lack of breathing force.
2. A total or partial collapse of the lungs, because of bronchial obstruction.
3. The absence of gas from all or a part of the lungs, due to a failure of expansion or resorption of gas from the alveoli.
4. A collapsed or airless state of the lung, which may be acute or chronic, and may involve all or part of the lung.
2. A total or partial collapse of the lungs, because of bronchial obstruction.
3. The absence of gas from all or a part of the lungs, due to a failure of expansion or resorption of gas from the alveoli.
4. A collapsed or airless state of the lung, which may be acute or chronic, and may involve all or part of the lung.
The primary cause of atelectasis is obstruction of the bronchus serving the affected area. In fetal atelectasis the lungs fail to expand normally at birth.