An aging athlete experiences reduced lung capacity. Why does diminished elastin production increase the likelihood of alveolar collapse during exhalation?

💡 Explanation

Diminished elastin production reduces the elastic recoil of the alveoli, because elastin fibers provide the structural support for alveolar expansion and contraction. Therefore, without sufficient elastic recoil, the alveoli are more prone to collapse during exhalation, rather than reinflating effectively.

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