Which of the following factors would tend to increase the elastic component of the work of breathing?
1) Decreased compliance of the lungs or thorax
2) High frequencies of breathing
3) Increased V_T

Question

Which of the following factors would tend to increase the elastic component of the work of breathing? 1) Decreased compliance of the lungs or thorax 2) High frequencies of breathing 3) Increased V_T

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1) Decreased compliance of the lungs or thorax would increase the elastic component of the work of breathing as it requires more force to stretch the lungs and thorax during inhalation. 2) High frequencies of breathing would increase the work of breathing due to the increased resistance of airflow, but it does not directly affect the elastic component. 3) Increased V_T (resistance to airflow in the airways) would also increase the elastic component as it requires more force to overcome the resistance and to stretch the lungs and thorax for inhalation.

Which of the Following Factors Would Tend to Increase the Elastic