Final answer:
Aging leads to histologic changes in the alveoli, including the loss of intra-alveolar septa and a reduced number of alveoli, impacting the lungs' ability to exchange gases efficiently. Exacerbated by smoking, these changes can contribute to diseases like COPD, characterized by the breakdown of alveolar walls and compromised gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the histologic changes that occur in the alveoli as adults age. Specifically, it references the gradual loss of intra-alveolar septa and the decreased number of alveoli. Aging can lead to the thinning of the alveolar walls and a reduction in the total number of alveoli. Collectively, these changes can impair the lungs' ability to exchange gases efficiently. Alveoli are small sac-like structures at the end of the respiratory tree where gas exchange occurs. The walls of alveoli are normally thin to facilitate an efficient gas exchange process. However, with aging, senescence (the biological aging process) can, unfortunately, deteriorate these structures, leading to reduced gas exchange and a decreased respiratory efficiency.
This age-associated degeneration can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking, which causes additional damage to the alveoli, further impairing gas exchange. Diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are also marked by the breakdown of alveolar walls. The alveolar sacs, which are composed of multiple alveoli, lose function when the alveoli are damaged. As a result, gas exchange is compromised, which can lead to respiratory distress and decreased oxygenation of blood, significantly affecting an individual's health.