Verified Solution Biology Breathing and Exchange of Gases

A person with severe asthma experiences bronchoconstriction. This primarily impacts gas exchange by:

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 20, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AReducing the inspiratory reserve volume, leading to shallower breaths.
  • BIncreasing the dead space volume, thus decreasing effective alveolar ventilation.
  • CIncreasing airway resistance, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.
  • DDirectly damaging the alveolar-capillary membrane, impeding diffusion.
Explanation

Bronchoconstriction involves the narrowing of the bronchioles, which directly increases airway resistance, making it more difficult to move air into and out of the lungs and leading to labored breathing.

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