Which of the following would decrease diffusion of a gas across the alveolar/pulmonary capillary membrane?
A)An increase in thickness of the membrane
B)An increase in surface area of the membrane
C)An increase in the partial pressure gradient
D)a and c only
E)a, b, and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An increase in thickness of the alveolar/pulmonary capillary membrane would increase the diffusion distance, which would decrease the diffusion of gas across the membrane. B) An increase in surface area would increase diffusion. C) An increase in partial pressure gradient would also increase diffusion. D) is incorrect as an increase in partial pressure gradient would increase diffusion, but an increase in thickness would decrease it. E) is incorrect as all three choices do not affect diffusion in the same direction.

Which of the Following Would Decrease Diffusion of a Gas