During pneumonia a layer of fluid accumulates in the alveoli adding a layer to the distance O₂ has to cross on its way to red blood cells and hemoglobin. The rate of O₂ diffusion in pneumonia will be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The layer of fluid that accumulates in the alveoli in pneumonia increases the distance the oxygen has to cross to reach the red blood cells and hemoglobin. This increased distance leads to a decrease in the rate of diffusion of oxygen, or in other words, a lower rate of diffusion. Therefore, the answer is B, lower.

During Pneumonia a Layer of Fluid Accumulates in the Alveoli