What occurs to the FRC in an elderly patient?

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) refers to the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration. In elderly patients, FRC tends to remain relatively stable despite the physiological changes that occur with aging. Although lung elasticity may decrease, and there may be changes in lung tissue and thoracic compliance, the balance between the opposing forces of the elastic recoil of the lungs and the chest wall leads to a relatively consistent FRC.

It's important to note that while some aspects of lung function do decline with age, FRC can be preserved due to compensatory mechanisms within the respiratory system. In older adults, factors like increased residual volume can counterbalance any decrease that may occur in other lung volumes. Therefore, the understanding that FRC remains stable is crucial in comprehending how aging impacts respiratory function.