How does fibrosis affect lung compliance?

• A. It increases compliance
• B. It decreases compliance
• C. It has no effect
• D. It only affects respiratory muscles

Answer: (B)

Fibrosis leads to the stiffening and thickening of lung tissues due to the accumulation of scar tissue, which reduces the elasticity of the lungs. As a result, the lungs become less compliant, meaning they are less able to expand during inhalation. A decrease in compliance makes it more difficult for the lungs to inflate, which can lead to increased work of breathing and reduced gas exchange efficiency. The stiffened lungs require greater effort from the respiratory muscles to achieve normal ventilation, further highlighting the impact of fibrosis on lung compliance.

The other options suggest that fibrosis increases compliance, has no effect, or only affects respiratory muscles, which misrepresent the physiological changes that occur in the lungs due to this condition.