Biology – Lung Volumes & Capacity?

November 18th, 2009 | by admin |

Please help with the following questions.

1.Exposure to occupational hazards such as coal and dust and asbestos may lead to fibrosis or scarring of lung tissue. With this condition the lungs become stiff and have more "recoil", What would happen to the TLC and VC under these conditions? why?

2. In severe emphysema there is destruction of lung tissue and reduced recoil. What would you expect to happen to TLC and VC? why?

3. What would you expect to happen to your expiratory reserve volume when you are treading water in a lake? why?

Thanks,
Ana

1. Decreased total lung capacity and vital capacity. Because these changes decrease the elasticity of the lungs.

2. Increased TLC and VC because the collagen necessary for elasticity is destroyed. There is also an increase in volume because there alot of dead space.

3. Well, this depends on if you are smart enough to realize a higher lung volume will make treading water easier. Increasing the air in the lungs decreases the overall density and makes treading water easier. If one doesn’t realize that and succumbs to the increased abdominal and thoracic pressures of the water, treading water will cause fatigue.

  1. One Response to “Biology – Lung Volumes & Capacity?”

  2. By misoma5 on Nov 18, 2009 | Reply

    1. Decreased total lung capacity and vital capacity. Because these changes decrease the elasticity of the lungs.

    2. Increased TLC and VC because the collagen necessary for elasticity is destroyed. There is also an increase in volume because there alot of dead space.

    3. Well, this depends on if you are smart enough to realize a higher lung volume will make treading water easier. Increasing the air in the lungs decreases the overall density and makes treading water easier. If one doesn’t realize that and succumbs to the increased abdominal and thoracic pressures of the water, treading water will cause fatigue.
    References :

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