Collapse or closure of alveoli resulting in reduced gas exchange is known as?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Bronchoscopy
• D. Wheeze

Answer: (A)

When alveoli collapse or fail to fully inflate, there’s less surface area available for oxygen to diffuse into the blood, so gas exchange is reduced. This condition is called atelectasis. It can occur when an airway is obstructed (for example, by mucus plugs or a mass) preventing air from reaching parts of the lung, when there’s external pressure compressing the lung, or when surfactant is deficient and the alveoli tend to collapse. Clinically, widespread atelectasis can lead to lower lung volumes and reduced oxygenation. It’s distinct from bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airways with cough and sputum; bronchoscopy, a procedure to visualize the inside of the airways; and wheeze, which is a musical sound from airway narrowing.