Collateral air channel of the lung

Collateral air channels of the lung describe anatomical pathways that allow for airflow between different lung compartments (such as between adjacent alveoli via pores of Kohn, between bronchioles and alveoli via canals of Lambert, and between bronchioles via channels of Martin), especially when the primary airways are obstructed. These channels help maintain some degree of ventilation and can prevent complete collapse (atelectasis) of lung tissue in the setting of proximal airway occlusion. While not significant under normal conditions, they are clinically relevant in disease states like emphysema, where airflow obstruction is common and collateral ventilation can significantly impact the outcome of treatments such as lung volume reduction surgery or endobronchial valve placement[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Collateral ventilation pathwaysCollateral channelsPores of KohnCanals of LambertChannels of Martin

None (not applicable for drugs; device-based procedures like endobronchial valves are affected by their presence)