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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:13
Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
[Pulmonary function in aging]
1Laboratorio de Investigaciones Respiratorias, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. moyarzun@med.uchile.cl
Revista Medica De Chile
|July 22, 2009
Summary
Aging significantly alters the respiratory system, reducing lung elasticity and muscle strength. Despite these changes, gas exchange remains adequate throughout life, with only a minor decline in oxygen levels.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Gerontology
Context:
- Aging impacts lung structure and function.
- Respiratory system changes are multifactorial.
Purpose:
- To outline the key structural and functional changes in the aging respiratory system.
- To describe the physiological consequences of these changes.
Summary:
- Reduced lung elastic recoil leads to "senile emphysema" with increased compliance and reduced diffusing capacity.
- Decreased chest wall compliance, respiratory muscle strength, and ventilatory responses occur with age.
- Increased functional residual capacity, residual volume, and decreased expiratory airflow rates are observed.
Impact:
- The respiratory system maintains adequate gas exchange despite age-related declines.
- Arterial oxygen levels show a slight, age-related decrease, stabilizing after 70.
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