Respiratory physiologists conduct a study on healthy volunteers to assess the airway resistance of the lower respiratory tract. They measure total cross-sectional airflow resistance as it changes between airway generations during the experiment. Which of the following graphs is most likely to be observed in this study?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The total cross-sectional area of all the airways at each level of the lower respiratory tract is inversely related to the airway resistance at that level. The trachea has high airway resistance, which peaks in the medium-sized bronchi, which have the smallest total cross-sectional area. As total cross-sectional area increases through the smaller bronchioles, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli, airway resistance gradually decreases.

Respiratory Physiologists Conduct a Study on Healthy Volunteers to Assess