MCQM4227 · [1] In emphysema, the walls between adjacent alveoli break down, so many small alveoli are replaced by fewer large air spaces. The rate of gas exchange in the lungs falls because this change Aincreases the total surface area for diffusion.Bincreases the thickness of the alveolar epithelium.Creduces the total surface area for diffusion.Dreduces the diffusion distance between air and blood. Next question →