Pulmonary mummification in a Coptic mummy from ancient Egypt.

Mummification of lung tissue is not unusual due to 2 factors: it contains few of the epithelial cells with large concentrations of hydrolase-rich liposomes that are associated with the putrefaction process, and the area of desiccation is very large, due to the large volume of aerated regions.1 However, it is rare to find examples with intact structures. In this paper, we present a mummified individual from the Coptic period (4th to 8th centuries) from the necropolis of Qarara (Middle Egypt). The Q.445-2012 (“Moses”) individual was a male between 25 and 35 years of age. The mummy was in a very good state of preservation. The bandaging was opened carefully and a longitudinal incision was then made in the side. When the cutaneous tissue was lifted en bloc, various structures were found inside the chest. In the right hemothorax,