As the Respiratory System Ages

Question

As the respiratory system ages
A) the costal cartilages harden
B) a condition called "barrel chest" develops
C) the strength of inspiratory and expiratory muscles decreases
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

As the respiratory system ages, the costal cartilages in the chest wall harden, causing ribs to become less flexible and limiting the ability to expand the chest during breathing. This leads to a condition called "barrel chest" where the chest becomes more rounded in shape. Additionally, the strength of inspiratory and expiratory muscles decreases with age, making it harder to breathe in and out effectively. Therefore, all of the above are true.