Effects of Aging on Gas exchange

Question 1

ventilation:

Answer 1

• slowed signalling to respiratory muscle groups
• reduced strength of respiratory muscles
• changes in bones that the respiratory muscles attach to (kyphosis)

Question 2

pulmonary perfusion

Answer 2

• reduced blood vessel patency

Question 3

alveolar-capillary diffusion

Answer 3

• increased fibrosis leads to there being more distance for the O2 to travel accross
• more respiratory dead space, which reduces diffusion surface area
• decreased density of capillary network

Question 4

Gas transport

Answer 4

• reduced RBC production
• chemoreceptors are less sensitive