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  4. Name the pulmonary disease in which alveolar surface area involved in gas exchange is drastically reduced due to damage in the alveolar walls.

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Q. Name the pulmonary disease in which alveolar surface area involved in gas exchange is drastically reduced due to damage in the alveolar walls.

AIPMTAIPMT 2015Breathing and Exchange of Gases

Solution:

Emphysema is an inflation or abnormal distension of the bronchioles or alveolar sacs of the lungs. Many of the septa between the alveoli are destroyed and much of the elastic tissue of the lungs is replaced by connective tissue. As the alveolar septa collapse, the surface area for gas exchange is greatly reduced. There is loss of elasticity in the walls of bronchioles or alveolar sacs. As a result the alveolar sacs remain filled with air even after expiration. The exhalation becomes more difficult. The lungs remain inflated. Major causes of emphysema are cigarette smoking and the inhalation of smoke or other toxic substances over a period of time.