Which of the following is NOT one of the four types of atelectasis?

• A. Adhesive
• B. Compression
• C. Inflammatory
• D. Resorption

Answer: (C)

Atelectasis refers to the collapse or incomplete expansion of the lung, and there are indeed four primary types recognized in pulmonary pathology: adhesive, compression, resorption, and contraction.

Adhesive atelectasis occurs when surfactant is deficient, leading to reduced lung compliance and alveolar collapse. Compression atelectasis results from external pressures exerted on the lung, often seen in conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Resorption atelectasis happens when there is an obstruction in the airway that prevents air from reaching the alveoli, causing the air to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The type identified as inflammatory, however, is not recognized as one of the four classic categories of atelectasis. Inflammatory processes can contribute to lung issues, but they do not define a specific type of atelectasis in the conventional classification. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that inflammatory atelectasis is not part of the established framework for categorizing the conditions leading to lung collapse.