What anatomical change occurs in the chest of geriatric patients?

• A. Increased anteroposterior diameter
• B. Decreased anteroposterior diameter
• C. No change
• D. Lateral expansion

Answer: (A)

As people age, the chest wall becomes stiffer because of calcification of the costal cartilages and degenerative changes in the thoracic joints, and there are vertebral changes such as kyphosis. This combination tends to push the sternum forward and reduce chest wall compliance, which increases the distance from front to back. So the anteroposterior diameter of the chest increases in geriatric individuals. The lateral (transverse) dimension doesn’t increase to the same extent, and in many elders it remains the same or even narrows due to posture changes. That’s why an increased AP diameter is the best answer.