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File:IPLab3LobarPneumonia8.jpg|This is a photomicrograph of alveoli filled with exudate. The alveolar wall outlines (arrows) are barely visible in this section. The alveoli are filled with PMNs, fibrin, and edema fluid. This is a severe acute inflammatory response but the structure of the alveoli remains intact. This tissue is able, with proper treatment, to completely resolve this inflammatory response. Since there has not been necrosis of the lung tissue itself (loss of tissue), this lung could completely recover normal function (resolution).
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== Study Questions ==
* <spoiler text="What is the likely etiology of pneumonia in this case?">Aspiration of gastric contents. Lobar pneumonia is usually caused by ''Streptococcus pneumoniae''.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="What makes up the alveolar exudate and what eventually happens to that exudate?">The exudate is mainly composed of PMNs and fibrin. The exudate undergoes progressive enzymatic digestion to produce a granular, semi-fluid material that is reabsorbed, phagocytosed by macrophages, and/or coughed up.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="How well does the lung heal after lobar pneumonia?">Often there is complete resolution with no scarring.</spoiler>
{{IPLab 3}}