Question

The most accepted current theory states that individuals with emphysema have a loss of elastic fibers due to proteases breaking them down. This causes the smaller airways, like small bronchioles and alveolar ducts, to collapse. This collapse leads to __________.

Answer 1

Individuals with emphysema experience collapse of smaller airways like bronchioles and alveolar ducts due to a loss of elastic fibers. This leads to air trapping in the lungs and difficulty in breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The collapse of the smaller airways, such as small bronchioles and alveolar ducts, in individuals with emphysema is caused by the loss of elastic fibers due to proteases breaking them down. The loss of elastic fibers leads to a decrease in lung elastic recoil, making it harder for the airways to stay open during exhalation. This results in a trapping of air in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing.