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Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?
- a)Increased alveolar elastic recoil
- b)Decreased capillary flow
- c)Increased alveolar volume
- d)Decreased temperature
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ab...
- Ventilation refers to air reaching a particular area of the lung; perfusion refers to the blood supply to a particular area of the lung. Though, both are important for gas exchange to occur, the question only asks about ventilation.
- Ventilation would be decreased in any setting which does not allow adequate airflow, including obstruction and structural/mechanical changes to the lung which prevent alveolar filling.
- Increased pressure within an alveolus would prevent airflow into the alveolar space.
- Gas pressure is increased with increasing temperature and decreasing container volume.
- Increased elastic recoil of the alveolar wall would increase the inward force of the wall on the gas as the wall tried to collapse, which would increase the pressure of gases within an alveolus, which would hinder airflow into the space.
- Increased alveolar elastic recoil would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated.
Most Upvoted Answer
Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ab...
Understanding Alveolar Ventilation
Ventilation of alveoli is crucial for effective gas exchange in the lungs. Various factors can influence this process, and understanding their impact is essential for grasping pulmonary function.
Impact of Increased Alveolar Elastic Recoil
- Definition: Elastic recoil refers to the ability of the alveolar walls to return to their original shape after being stretched during inhalation.
- Effect on Ventilation:
- Increased elastic recoil means that the alveoli will collapse more readily after inhalation. This makes it harder for air to enter and fill the alveoli during subsequent breaths.
- When the alveoli are overly elastic, they do not stay open effectively, reducing their capacity to participate in gas exchange.
Comparison with Other Options
- Decreased Capillary Flow: While this could affect gas exchange efficiency, it does not directly reduce the ventilation of the alveolus itself.
- Increased Alveolar Volume: A larger volume might initially seem beneficial for gas exchange; however, it does not directly relate to the mechanics of ventilation affecting the alveolar walls.
- Decreased Temperature: Although temperature can influence gas solubility and reaction rates, it does not significantly alter the physical structure or function of the alveoli in terms of ventilation.
Conclusion
Increased alveolar elastic recoil significantly limits the ability of the alveolus to remain open, thereby reducing the degree of ventilation. This mechanical change directly impacts the alveolus's role in effective gas exchange, making it the most critical factor among the options presented.
Ventilation of alveoli is crucial for effective gas exchange in the lungs. Various factors can influence this process, and understanding their impact is essential for grasping pulmonary function.
Impact of Increased Alveolar Elastic Recoil
- Definition: Elastic recoil refers to the ability of the alveolar walls to return to their original shape after being stretched during inhalation.
- Effect on Ventilation:
- Increased elastic recoil means that the alveoli will collapse more readily after inhalation. This makes it harder for air to enter and fill the alveoli during subsequent breaths.
- When the alveoli are overly elastic, they do not stay open effectively, reducing their capacity to participate in gas exchange.
Comparison with Other Options
- Decreased Capillary Flow: While this could affect gas exchange efficiency, it does not directly reduce the ventilation of the alveolus itself.
- Increased Alveolar Volume: A larger volume might initially seem beneficial for gas exchange; however, it does not directly relate to the mechanics of ventilation affecting the alveolar walls.
- Decreased Temperature: Although temperature can influence gas solubility and reaction rates, it does not significantly alter the physical structure or function of the alveoli in terms of ventilation.
Conclusion
Increased alveolar elastic recoil significantly limits the ability of the alveolus to remain open, thereby reducing the degree of ventilation. This mechanical change directly impacts the alveolus's role in effective gas exchange, making it the most critical factor among the options presented.
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Question Description
Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect 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 Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect 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 Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect 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 Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect 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 Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Many respiratory diseases affect pulmonary function by altering the ability of alveoli to participate in gas exchange. What physical change would most greatly reduce the degree to which a particular alveolus is ventilated?a)Increased alveolar elastic recoilb)Decreased capillary flowc)Increased alveolar volumed)Decreased temperatureCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for MCAT.
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