What condition describes a collapse of lung tissue?

The condition that describes a collapse of lung tissue is known as a pneumothorax. This occurs when air enters the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. The presence of air in this space can cause the lung to collapse partially or fully, making it difficult for the affected lung to inflate properly during breathing.

When a pneumothorax occurs, the pressure in the pleural space changes, and this can prevent blood from adequately reaching the lung, resulting in decreased oxygen levels in the body. It can happen due to trauma, such as a rib fracture that punctures the lung, or can occur spontaneously without any apparent cause.

In contrast, mediastinal emphysema refers to air in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. Subcutaneous emphysema is air trapped under the skin, which is typically due to injury or a rupture of the respiratory tract. An air embolism refers to air bubbles entering the bloodstream, which can cause serious complications but does not pertain to the collapse of lung tissue. Therefore, pneumothorax is the most accurate term for the collapse of lung tissue due to air in the pleural space.