Correct option is C
Altitude training influences the pulmonary muscles by increasing their efficiency. The reduced oxygen availability at high altitudes (hypoxia) forces the body to adapt, making the respiratory muscles (like the diaphragm and intercostal muscles) more efficient at oxygen intake and utilization.
Key Effects on Pulmonary Muscles: 1. Increased Efficiency (c):
· Enhanced oxygen exchange in the lungs.
· Improved endurance of respiratory muscles to cope with prolonged hypoxia.
2. Why Not Other Options?
· (a) Increasing number: Pulmonary muscle fibers do not increase in number.
· (b) Increasing size: The size of pulmonary muscles does not change significantly.
· (d) Increasing diameter: This is not a typical adaptation in pulmonary muscles during altitude training.
Correct Answer:
(c) Increasing efficiency
Information Booster 1. Other Pulmonary Adaptations at Altitude:
· Increased ventilation rate to compensate for low oxygen levels.
· Enhanced alveolar-capillary oxygen diffusion.
2. Benefits of Altitude Training:
· Strengthens respiratory muscles, enabling athletes to perform better at sea level.
· Improves oxygen delivery and utilization efficiency in tissues.
3. Challenges:
· Prolonged exposure can cause altitude sickness or hypoxemia if not managed carefully.