BIOLOGY Volume 2 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

15. HEALTH AND DISEASE

15.7. Ageing

15.7.4. Changes in the respiratory system

Ageing is accompanied by a gradual loss of elastic tissue in the Lungs and a weakening of the Muscles, which reduces the rate and range of respiratory Movements of the chest wall. These and other degenerative changes lead to a decrease in vital capacity and maximum ventilation (minute ventilation) of the lungs, as shown in Fig. 15.22. As a result, the oxygen supply to Tissues declines, and consequently so does The amount of energy the body can expend per unit time on performing various Functions, such as physical exertion.

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