Which physiologic function is NOT typically described as decreasing with middle age according to the material?

Which physiologic function is NOT typically described as decreasing with middle age according to the material?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Ability to hear low-pitched sounds
• C. Gastric secretions
• D. Glomerular filtration

Answer: (B)

With aging, many body systems show a downward trend, but hearing loss associated with middle age usually affects high-frequency sounds first. The small hair cells and neural pathways responsible for detecting high-pitched tones progressively deteriorate, while the ability to hear low-pitched sounds tends to remain relatively intact. That preservation of low-frequency hearing is why this item is the one that is not typically described as decreasing with middle age. In contrast, metabolism often slows, gastric secretions can decrease, and glomerular filtration rate declines with age, reflecting the other choices.

With aging, many body systems show a downward trend, but hearing loss associated with middle age usually affects high-frequency sounds first. The small hair cells and neural pathways responsible for detecting high-pitched tones progressively deteriorate, while the ability to hear low-pitched sounds tends to remain relatively intact. That preservation of low-frequency hearing is why this item is the one that is not typically described as decreasing with middle age. In contrast, metabolism often slows, gastric secretions can decrease, and glomerular filtration rate declines with age, reflecting the other choices.