Select the correct statement about the physical factors influencing pulmonary ventilation.
a. surfactant increase alveolar surface tension.
b. as alveolar surface tension increases, additional muscle action will be required
c. a lung that is less elastic will require less muscle action to perform adequate ventilation.
d. a decrease in compliance causes an increase in ventilation.

Option (b).

Explanation:

Pulmonary ventilation is the mechanism of respiration in which the oxygen is inhaled in the body and carbon dioxide is exhaled out due to the pressure difference in the lungs and the environment.

The surface tension in the alveoli is decreased by the presence of surfactant. The increase in the surface tension of the alveoli increase the force that will require the additional muscles to work properly.

Thus, the correct answer is option (b).