alleryStart learning →Which respiratory volume keeps the alveoli from collapsing?
AThe residual volume
BThe tidal volume
CThe inspiratory reserve
DThe expiratory reserve
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The residual volume
1. Residual volume is the air left in the lungs after exhaling as much air as possible.
2. Because it can never be expelled, the alveoli never fully empty.
3. That is what makes breathing easier and prevents the alveoli from collapsing.
4. Tidal and reserve volumes are all moved in and out, so none of them can hold the alveoli open at the end of a maximal expiration.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 22 "The Respiratory System", section 22.3 The Process of Breathing_
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