How does an increase in stretch receptors' response affect the lungs?

How does an increase in stretch receptors' response affect the lungs?

• A. It decreases lung capacity
• B. It prevents collapse during inhalation
• C. It reduces respiratory rate
• D. It enhances oxygen absorption

Answer: (B)

An increase in the response of stretch receptors plays a crucial role in maintaining proper lung function during the respiratory cycle. Stretch receptors, located in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, are sensitive to changes in lung volume and help regulate the mechanics of breathing. When the lungs inflate during inhalation, these receptors detect the expansion and send signals to the respiratory center in the brain. This signaling prevents collapse during inhalation by triggering reflexes such as the Hering-Breuer reflex, which inhibits further inhalation once a certain lung volume is reached. This response helps to avoid over-inflation and ensures that the lungs can maintain stability and function effectively, thus preventing any potential damage to the alveoli. While lung capacity is influenced by many factors, simply increasing stretch receptor response does not inherently decrease capacity. Similarly, while higher stretch receptor activity may be linked to changes in respiratory patterns, it does not directly correspond to a reduction in respiratory rate or enhance oxygen absorption in a direct manner. The main function of these receptors in this context remains the maintenance of lung stability and effective ventilation during inhalation.

An increase in the response of stretch receptors plays a crucial role in maintaining proper lung function during the respiratory cycle. Stretch receptors, located in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, are sensitive to changes in lung volume and help regulate the mechanics of breathing. When the lungs inflate during inhalation, these receptors detect the expansion and send signals to the respiratory center in the brain.

This signaling prevents collapse during inhalation by triggering reflexes such as the Hering-Breuer reflex, which inhibits further inhalation once a certain lung volume is reached. This response helps to avoid over-inflation and ensures that the lungs can maintain stability and function effectively, thus preventing any potential damage to the alveoli.

While lung capacity is influenced by many factors, simply increasing stretch receptor response does not inherently decrease capacity. Similarly, while higher stretch receptor activity may be linked to changes in respiratory patterns, it does not directly correspond to a reduction in respiratory rate or enhance oxygen absorption in a direct manner. The main function of these receptors in this context remains the maintenance of lung stability and effective ventilation during inhalation.