Question

With increase in age which of the following is true for lungs?

• A. Pulmonary compliance increases
• B. Residual volume decreases
• C. Mucocillary clearance increases
• D. Fibrous of interstitium dreaseses

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

As individuals age, various physiological changes occur in the lungs. One of the primary changes is an increase in pulmonary compliance. Pulmonary compliance refers to the lung's ability to stretch and expand. With aging, elastin fibers in the lungs degrade, leading to decreased elastic recoil. This results in the lungs becoming more compliant, meaning they require less effort to expand during inhalation.

Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. Residual volume decreases: In actuality, the residual volume tends to increase with age. Residual volume is the air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation, which becomes higher due to the loss of elastic recoil and air trapping.
2. Mucociliary clearance increases: With aging, there is a decrease in mucociliary clearance due to weakened ciliary function, reducing the ability to clear mucus effectively from the airways.
3. Fibrosis of interstitium decreases: It is more common for fibrous tissue in the lung interstitium to increase with age, contributing to a reduction in lung elasticity.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question about changes in the lungs with increasing age is that pulmonary compliance increases.