What does an increase in lung compliance indicate?

An increase in lung compliance indicates that the lungs have become more distensible and can expand more easily during inhalation. Compliance is a measure of the lungs' ability to stretch and expand; higher compliance means that less pressure is required to achieve a given volume of air in the lungs.

The correct answer, associated with decreased elasticity, helps to explain this phenomenon. When compliance increases, it is often accompanied by a reduction in the elastic recoil of the lung tissue. This means that the lungs can inflate easily but may not return to their original size as effectively, which is characteristic of conditions like emphysema where the elastic fibers are damaged.

Improved airflow may suggest certain positive conditions, but increased compliance specifically refers to the ability of the lungs to stretch, not necessitating a direct correlation with airflow efficiency. Similarly, while healthy lung function is typically indicated by normal compliance values, an increase beyond the normal range can indicate an underlying pathological state. Stiff lungs, on the other hand, represent low compliance, thus contradicting the concept of increased compliance.