Question

Deformation of alveoli leads to

• A. Reduction in alveolar surface area due to formation of a single large cavity
• B. Reduction in oxygen absorption by the alveoli
• C. Increase in surface area of the alveoli due to formation of a single large cavity
• D. Increase in oxygen absorption by the alveoli

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

Reduction in oxygen absorption by the alveoli

Smoking over a period of time, causes the alveolar walls to collapse. The sacs clump together, deforming the structure of the alveolus. The healthy alveolus has numerous inter chamber walls which give it a large surface area for efficient absorption of oxygen. But as it gets damaged by the smoke, the inter chamber alveolar walls collapse and coalesce to form a large single cavity with much lesser surface area. Thus the capacity to absorb oxygen is considerably reduced and this causes difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.