Respiratory system: ageing and elastic recoil: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Respiratory system: ageing and elastic recoil

Sample item

A healthy non-smoker aged 78 has spirometry compared with that at age 25. Which pattern represents normal ageing?

AHigher FEV1 and FVC with unchanged residual volumeBLower elastic recoil with higher residual volume and lower FVC and FEV1CLower total lung capacity with a markedly raised vital capacityDHigher elastic recoil with a lower residual volume

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lower elastic recoil with higher residual volume and lower FVC and FEV1

With age the lung loses elastic recoil, so small airways close earlier and residual volume rises. The chest wall also stiffens and respiratory muscles weaken, which lowers vital capacity and FEV1. Total lung capacity is largely maintained.

Option by option

A. Higher FEV1 and FVC with unchanged residual volume
FEV1 and FVC decline with age.
B. Lower elastic recoil with higher residual volume and lower FVC and FEV1 (correct)
Correct. Loss of recoil raises residual volume and lowers vital capacity and flow rates.
C. Lower total lung capacity with a markedly raised vital capacity
Vital capacity falls with age, not rises.
D. Higher elastic recoil with a lower residual volume
Recoil falls with age, not rises.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Lower elastic recoil with higher residual volume and lower FVC and FEV1. With age the lung loses elastic recoil, so small airways close earlier and residual volume rises.

Why is "Higher FEV1 and FVC with unchanged residual volume" not the answer?

FEV1 and FVC decline with age.

Why is "Lower total lung capacity with a markedly raised vital capacity" not the answer?

Vital capacity falls with age, not rises.

Why is "Higher elastic recoil with a lower residual volume" not the answer?

Recoil falls with age, not rises.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory system: ageing and elastic recoil in Physiology. The chest wall also stiffens and respiratory muscles weaken, which lowers vital capacity and FEV1. Total lung capacity is largely maintained.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Respiratory system: ageing and elastic recoil?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.