Final answer:
Compliance is the term describing the ease with which the lungs can expand and contract in response to changes in pressure. High lung compliance indicates easier lung inflation and vice versa. Factors such as surface tension and airway resistance can influence compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes how readily the lungs change volume as pressure changes is known as compliance. Compliance refers to the ability of the lungs to stretch and expand.
The lung compliance plays a significant role in gas flow, determining the ease with which the lungs can inflate. High compliance means the lungs can stretch more readily and can hold a greater volume of air, leading to lower air pressure within the lungs. Conversely, low compliance indicates stiffer lungs that are harder to inflate. Factors affecting lung compliance include surface tension in the alveoli, which is counteracted by pulmonary surfactant, and the elastic recoil of lung tissue.
Resistance, on the other hand, is created by inelastic surfaces and the diameter of the airways, reducing the flow of gases. Increased resistance or higher surface tension can decrease lung compliance, making breathing more difficult and increasing the work required to inhale and exhale.