What is expected to decrease if inspiratory flow is reduced but the respiratory rate remains unchanged?

When inspiratory flow is reduced but the respiratory rate remains unchanged, the amount of time allotted for inspiration will increase, leading to a proportional decrease in the time available for expiration. This is a direct consequence of the relationship between inspiratory and expiratory phases in breathing.

By maintaining the same respiratory rate, the total cycle time of breathing remains constant. Thus, if the inspiratory flow decreases, it takes longer to deliver the same volume of air into the lungs during the inspiration phase, which ultimately compresses the expiratory phase to fit into the same total time frame. This results in a decrease in expiratory time, as the breathing cycle is stretched out due to the slower inspiratory flow.

Understanding this relationship is fundamental to respiratory mechanics and illustrates how changes in one aspect of breathing can significantly affect the overall pattern and timing of ventilation.