What is the effect of reduced compliance in an alveolus?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological effects of reduced compliance in an alveolus, particularly how it influences air filling dynamics. The options suggest different outcomes related to air filling in the alveolus under the condition of reduced compliance.
Answer
Reduced compliance means alveoli become stiff, needing more pressure for expansion.
A reduced compliance in an alveolus makes the lungs and alveoli more 'stiff' or resistant to expansion, requiring a higher pressure to achieve normal ventilation.
Answer for screen readers
A reduced compliance in an alveolus makes the lungs and alveoli more 'stiff' or resistant to expansion, requiring a higher pressure to achieve normal ventilation.
More Information
Reduced compliance in alveoli can be due to conditions such as fibrosis or lack of surfactant, increasing the work of breathing and leading to impaired gas exchange.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse reduced compliance with increased compliance, where the latter leads to over-expansion and poor elasticity.
Sources
- Lung Compliance - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation: Compliance of the Lungs - med.libretexts.org
- Physiology, Lung Compliance - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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