Question

Which of the following would slow down gas exchange between the blood and alveolar air? A decrease in nitrogen solubility An increase in respiratory rate An increase in membrane thickness A decrease in membrane thickness An increase in alveolar surface area

Answer 1

An increase in membrane thickness

Step-by-step explanation:

Gaseous exchange occurs in relation to Fick's Law which states:

'the rate of diffusion is proportional to both the surface area and concentration difference and is inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane

Therefore, based on this law, an increase in the thickness of the membrane will result in a decreased diffusion rate which will in turn slow down the process of gaseous exchange