Final answer:
Aging typically leads to a reduced diffusion capacity in the respiratory system due to less efficient gas exchange, while residual volume may increase, and FRC may also increase because of decreased lung elasticity. Contrary to a decrease, airway resistance tends to increase due to stiffening of airway walls.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer regarding the effects of aging on the respiratory system is B. Reduced diffusion capacity. As we age, changes in the structure and function of the respiratory system can lead to a reduction in the exchange of gases in the alveoli due to decreased alveolar surface area, loss of lung elasticity, and possible changes in blood flow through the pulmonary capillaries. This reduction in diffusion capacity means that the transfer of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood is less efficient.
RVD refers to residual volume decrease, which does not typically decrease due to aging; instead, it is known to increase because of factors like air being trapped in less elastic lungs. FRC, or functional residual capacity, can actually increase with age due to the lungs being less able to recoil and expel all the air. Finally, airway resistance usually increases, not decreases, with age. This is because of the stiffening of the airway walls and decrease in the strength of respiratory muscles.