Respiratory Mechanics and Gas Exchange · USMLE Step 1

Which statement correctly describes lung (pulmonary) compliance?

  1. It is directly proportional to airway resistance
  2. It is the volume change per unit pressure change
  3. It measures the speed of airflow into the alveoli
  4. It increases when surfactant is deficient
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: It is the volume change per unit pressure change

Lung compliance is defined as the change in lung volume per unit change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔV/ΔP), reflecting how easily the lung can expand.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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