Question

Based on what you know and what you have just read, how do you think active TB infection impacts gas exchange

in the alveoli? (Hint: think about which aspect of Fick's law is being altered.)

Answer 1

Active TB infection reduces the surface area available for gas exchange in the alveoli, affecting the efficiency of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination.

Step-by-step explanation:

Active TB infection can impact gas exchange in the alveoli by altering the surface area available for diffusion. The alveoli are small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place. Fick's Law of Diffusion states that the rate of gas diffusion is directly proportional to the surface area available for diffusion and inversely proportional to the thickness of the barrier through which the gas must diffuse.

In active TB infection, the tubercular bacteria infect the lungs, leading to inflammation and the formation of granulomas. These granulomas can damage the structure of the alveoli, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This decreases the efficiency of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination, impairing gas exchange in the alveoli.

In summary, active TB infection impacts gas exchange in the alveoli by reducing the surface area for diffusion, which affects the efficiency of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination.

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