Final answer:
Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the deposition of collagen in the alveolar walls, which leads to decreased lung compliance and makes the lungs stiff and less pliable, affecting one's ability to breathe deeply and exhale forcefully. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary fibrosis is when collagen is deposited in alveolar walls resulting in decreased lung compliance. The collagen and fibrous tissue buildup makes the lungs stiff and less pliable, impairing their ability to expand and contract. This condition falls under restrictive lung diseases, where the force or volume of air that can be exhaled from the lungs is significantly diminished compared to a healthy individual. The forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the amount of air one can forcibly exhale after a deep breath, is markedly reduced in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, and the time required to exhale most of the air is substantially prolonged.