Muscular dystrophy affects the functioning of skeletal muscle. As this disease advances, it can impair the contraction of the diaphragm and the muscles of the rib cage. What effect will this have on the ability of people with this disease to carry out gas exchange?
A) It will decrease their ability to exchange air into and out of the lungs, decreasing gas exchange.
B) It will have no effect on their ability to carry out gas exchange.
C) It will cause a buildup of mucus in their respiratory tract, decreasing gas exchange.
D) It will lower the surface area for gas exchange, decreasing gas exchange.
E) It will decrease the ability to exhale but the ability to inhale will be unaffected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diaphragm and rib cage muscles are essential for breathing. If these muscles cannot contract effectively, it becomes difficult to inhale and exhale, thereby reducing the ability to exchange air and, consequently, gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the environment.

Muscular Dystrophy Affects the Functioning of Skeletal Muscle