Age-related Changes in the Respiratory System Change ----------------------------Effect Upper Airway Changes in nasal structure Changes in nasal structure ↓ in # of submucosal glands ↓ in # of submucosal glands  ↑ obstruction of nasal breathing  Thickened mucus gets trapped in nasal pharynx
{"Image DocumentName": "Changes in nasal structure \u2193in # of submucosal glands", "Image ImageDescription": "Age-related Changes in the Respiratory System Change Effect. Upper Airway. Changes in nasal structure. \u2193in # of submucosal glands. \u2191obstruction of nasal breathing. Thickened mucus gets trapped in nasal pharynx. Respiratory. In spite of reduced lung capacity and efficiency in ventilation and gas exchange, changes in the respiratory system go unnoticed until demands for oxygen increase, primarily because respiratory muscles weaken and chest wall compliance is decreased. Kyphosis also contributes to decreased expansion. Blood oxygen level remains fairly constant at about 80 mm Hg from the age of 65 to 90 compared with 90 to 95 mm Hg in the younger adult. Diminished elastic recoil makes gaseous exchange more difficult. The lungs become stiffer, muscle strength and endurance diminish, and the chest wall becomes more rigid. Total lung capacity remains constant but vital capacity decreases and residual volume increases. The alveolar surface area decreases by up to 20 percent. Alveoli tend to collapse sooner on expiration. There is an increase in mucus production and a decrease in the activity and number of cilia. The body becomes less efficient in monitoring and controlling breathing.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}