Emphysema reduces gas exchange efficiency as alveoli break down, decreasing surface area and increasing diffusion distance. Loss of elasticity hinders lung recoil, reducing airflow and maintaining a smaller diffusion gradient.
Emphysema reduces gas exchange efficiency as alveoli break down, decreasing surface area and increasing diffusion distance. Loss of elasticity hinders lung recoil, reducing airflow and maintaining a smaller diffusion gradient.
| Front | Emphysema reduces the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs. Explain why. ( 4 marks) |
|---|---|
| Back | 1. Alveoli break down / collapse / rupture / fewer alveoli / larger alveoli or alveolar wall/epithelium walls thicken; 2. Reduced surface area / increased diffusion pathway; 3. (So) less diffusion; 4. Less elastin / elastic (tissue) / not recoiling / loss of elasticity / elastin permanently stretched; 5. Reduced flow rate / less air expelled; 6. So small / reduced diffusion or concentration gradient; |
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