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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which affect the pulmonary interstitium-- the area of tissue and space which lies between the alveoli and alveolar capillaries. What factor in the setting of severe ILD, would NOT decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood?
  • a)
    Decreased interstitial thickness
  • b)
    Increased lung elastic recoil
  • c)
    Decreased lung capacity
  • d)
    Increased alveolar surface tension
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which af...
In the setting of severe interstitial lung disease (ILD), several factors can contribute to a decreased extent of oxygen passing from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood. These factors include increased lung elastic recoil, decreased lung capacity, and increased alveolar surface tension. However, decreased interstitial thickness would not contribute to this decrease in oxygen transfer.
In ILD, the pulmonary interstitium becomes thickened due to inflammation, fibrosis, or scarring. This increased interstitial thickness can impair gas exchange by increasing the diffusion distance between the alveoli and the alveolar capillaries. As a result, it becomes more difficult for oxygen to cross the thickened interstitium and reach the bloodstream.
Therefore, if the interstitial thickness is decreased in the setting of severe ILD, it would not further impede the transfer of oxygen. In fact, a decrease in interstitial thickness would potentially improve gas exchange by reducing the diffusion distance and facilitating the passage of oxygen from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood.
Hence, option A is the correct answer. Decreased interstitial thickness would not decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood in the setting of severe ILD.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which af...
Decreased interstitial thickness:
Decreased interstitial thickness would not decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood in severe ILD. This is because a thinner interstitium would actually facilitate gas exchange by reducing the diffusion distance for oxygen to travel from the alveoli to the capillaries.

Increased lung elastic recoil:
Increased lung elastic recoil would help in increasing the efficiency of gas exchange by aiding in the passive exhalation of carbon dioxide, but it would not directly impact the extent to which oxygen passes into the blood.

Decreased lung capacity:
Decreased lung capacity would hinder gas exchange by reducing the amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, leading to decreased oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.

Increased alveolar surface tension:
Increased alveolar surface tension would have a negative impact on gas exchange as it would make it more difficult for the alveoli to expand and fill with air, thereby reducing the surface area available for gas exchange.
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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which affect the pulmonary interstitium-- the area of tissue and space which lies between the alveoli and alveolar capillaries. What factor in the setting of severe ILD, would NOT decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood?a)Decreased interstitial thicknessb)Increased lung elastic recoilc)Decreased lung capacityd)Increased alveolar surface tensionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which affect the pulmonary interstitium-- the area of tissue and space which lies between the alveoli and alveolar capillaries. What factor in the setting of severe ILD, would NOT decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood?a)Decreased interstitial thicknessb)Increased lung elastic recoilc)Decreased lung capacityd)Increased alveolar surface tensionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a set of conditions which affect the pulmonary interstitium-- the area of tissue and space which lies between the alveoli and alveolar capillaries. What factor in the setting of severe ILD, would NOT decrease the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood?a)Decreased interstitial thicknessb)Increased lung elastic recoilc)Decreased lung capacityd)Increased alveolar surface tensionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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