Emphysema primarily affects which of the following lung capacities?

Emphysema primarily affects elastic recoil in the lungs. This is due to the destruction of alveolar walls and the loss of structural proteins that normally help the lungs maintain their shape. In healthy lungs, elastic recoil allows for efficient exhalation, effectively pushing air out of the lungs when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax.

In emphysema, the loss of elastic fibers compromises this natural recoil, leading to difficulty in exhaling fully. As a result, patients often have air trapped in their lungs, which can lead to increased lung volumes and reduced airflow. This impairment directly ties back to the elastic properties of the lung tissue, highlighting the significant role that elasticity plays in respiratory mechanics.

While other lung capacities, like vital capacity and functional residual capacity, may be affected indirectly due to the changes in lung function and airflow, the specific primary impact of emphysema is on the elastic recoil of the lungs. This understanding is central to recognizing how the disease alters normal respiratory physiology.