Question

A smoker develops damage to several alveoli that then can no longer function. How does this a ffect gas exchange?

Short answer

Answer: Damage to alveoli in a smoker's lungs reduces the surface area and impairs the function of these tiny air sacs, leading to decreased efficiency in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the air and the blood. This can result in health problems such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the function of alveoli

Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the ends of the respiratory bronchioles in the lungs. They are the primary site for gas exchange in the respiratory system. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across their thin walls into the surrounding blood capillaries, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses in the opposite direction, from the capillaries into the alveoli, where it can be exhaled. A healthy lung contains millions of alveoli, providing a large surface area for efficient gas exchange.

Discuss the damage to alveoli in smokers

In smokers, the toxic chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause inflammation and damage to the walls of the alveoli. Additionally, smoking can lead to the destruction of the elastic fibers surrounding the alveoli, making them less able to expand and contract during inhalation and exhalation. Damaged alveoli may also fuse together, creating larger but fewer air sacs with a reduced surface area for gas exchange.

Explain the impact of damaged alveoli on gas exchange

Damage to several alveoli impairs the gas exchange capacity of the lungs. With fewer functional alveoli and a reduced surface area, the efficiency of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the air and the blood decreases. As a result, the smoker with damaged alveoli may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance, as their body struggles to provide sufficient oxygen to meet the metabolic demands of their tissues and to remove carbon dioxide adequately.

Summary

In summary, damage to several alveoli due to smoking adversely affects gas exchange in the lungs. Damaged alveoli have reduced surface area and impaired function, resulting in decreased oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. This can lead to health problems such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.