In an elderly individual, which of the following lung volume changes is typically seen due to the normal aging process?
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Correct answer: Increased Functional Residual Capacity
With age, the lungs lose elastic recoil (becoming more 'compliant') and the chest wall becomes stiffer. This leads to an increase in FRC and Residual Volume (RV), while the Vital Capacity (VC) generally decreases.
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More Lung Volumes and Capacities questions
- Alveolar ventilation ($V_A$) is a better measure of gas exchange than minute ventilation because it accounts for:
- Tidal volume refers to the volume of air that is:
- Which lung volume cannot be measured directly by simple spirometry?
- Inspiratory reserve volume represents the:
- Which combination constitutes vital capacity?
- Functional residual capacity is the volume of air present in the lungs: