Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What term describes stiffness of airflow with minimal resistance?

1. Compliance

2. Resistance

3. Diffusion

4. Obstruction

The correct answer is: Compliance

The term that describes stiffness of airflow with minimal resistance is compliance. In the context of respiratory physiology, compliance refers to the ability of the lungs and thoracic cavity to stretch and expand during inhalation. Higher compliance indicates that the lungs can easily expand with minimal effort, which correlates with less resistance to airflow. This is important because it reflects the elastic properties of lung tissue and how well the lungs can accommodate air during breathing. When considering airflow dynamics, compliance plays a significant role in how easily air can be inhaled and exhaled. If the lungs are compliant, it means they allow air to flow in and out with relative ease, thereby minimizing the effort required to breathe. In contrast, other terms like resistance and obstruction refer to challenges in airflow rather than the ease of stretching or expanding the lungs. Resistance specifically pertains to the opposition to airflow in the respiratory passages, while obstruction refers to physical blockages that restrict airflow. Therefore, compliance is the most accurate term associated with stiffness of airflow accompanied by minimal resistance.