Material and Methods of Preparation for Morphometric Studies of the Lung

Abstract

The arrangement of the elements of the respiratory and transitory zones satisfies the conditions for “random distribution” outlined on p. 10. On the other hand, the elements of the conductive zone show a distinct polar orientation with origin in the hilum, or, more properly, in the mediastinum; they are, therefore, non-randomly distributed. This fact necessitates the use of different sampling procedures for the quantitation of respiratory and transitory lung structures, than those used for the measurement of conductive elements, as described in Chapter III. Accordingly, it is necessary to prepare the material by different methods. Peripheral lung structures, because of their small size, will be studied by microscopic techniques, while a large part of the conductive elements will be accessible to macroscopic investigation.