False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing two macrophages impaled on an asbestos needle in a case of asbestosis,a lung disease (one of the pneumoconioses) caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres. Normally,foreign particles in the lungs are engulfed (phagocytosed) by the macrophages (mobile scavenger cells). Asbestos needles,however,are virtually indestructible and puncture the macrophages,destroying them and releasing their contents into the lung tissue. Asbestosis is lined with the development of mesotheliomas,cancers of the pleural membranes that surround the lungs. Magnification: x1260 at 35mm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Photo Insolite Realite |
Taille de l’image : | 4724 px × 3708 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |