Final answer:
Pulmonary fibrosis decreases radial traction on the airways due to the scarring of lung tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary Fibrosis is a condition characterized by the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue. This scarring reduces the compliance or pliability of the lungs. As a result, the lungs become less able to expand and contract during breathing.
The decrease in compliance caused by pulmonary fibrosis leads to a decrease in radial traction on the airways. Radial traction refers to the outward pull or tension on the airways that helps to keep them open. With decreased compliance, the ability of the lungs to exert radial traction on the airways is compromised.
In summary, pulmonary fibrosis decreases radial traction on the airways due to the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue, which reduces the compliance of the lungs.