All of the Following Are Effects of Aging on the Respiratory

question 37

Multiple Choice

All of the following are effects of aging on the respiratory system except which one?

• A) With age, less mucus accumulates in the respiratory tract because the ciliated escalator becomes more efficient.
• B) Thoracic wall compliance decreases due to the diminished ability to expand the chest.
• C) Some of the alveoli walls may breakdown, which reduces the area of the respiratory membrane.
• D) Obstructive sleep apnea may develop in the elderly as the pharyngeal muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep.

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Definitions:

Functional Residual Capacity

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal, passive exhalation.

Inspiratory Capacity

The total amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation, indicating the function of lung expansion.

Tidal Inhalation

The process of taking air into the lungs in a manner similar to the rise and fall of tides, typically in a gentle and rhythmic fashion.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure within the lung alveoli, vital for the process of breathing and gas exchange.