Incidence of Emphysema - a respiratory disorder is high in cigarette smokers. In such cases

Options

A. the bronchioles are found damaged
B. the alveolar walls are found damaged
C. the plasma membrane is found damaged
D. the respiratory muscles are found damaged

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Emphysema**: Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. This damage leads to a decrease in the surface area available for gas exchange, making it difficult for individuals to breathe.

2. **Cause of Emphysema**: The primary cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and the airways. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, as the smoke contains numerous toxic substances that can lead to inflammation and destruction of the alveolar walls.

3. **Effects on Alveolar Walls**: In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli become inflamed and eventually break down, leading to larger but fewer alveoli. This reduces the overall surface area for gas exchange, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath and reduced oxygen supply to the body.

4. **Conclusion**: Given the information about emphysema and its association with cigarette smoking, we conclude that the incidence of emphysema is high in cigarette smokers due to the damage caused to the alveolar walls by the inhalation of smoke and other toxic substances.

**Final Answer**: The correct statement is that in cases of emphysema, the alveolar walls are damaged due to cigarette smoking.

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