Emphysema leads to which of the following effects on lung tissue?

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and the loss of elastic fibers in lung tissue, leading to significant changes in the structure and function of the lungs. The correct answer is related to the condition's hallmark feature: the transformation of lung tissue into fibrotic tissue. This fibrotic change signifies scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, which can impair respiratory function. The loss of elasticity, rather than an increase, contributes to difficulties in exhalation, trapping air in the lungs and leading to over-inflation.

The other options are not accurate in the context of emphysema. For example, increased elasticity would imply that the lungs can expand and contract effectively, which is counter to what occurs in emphysema since the destruction of elastic fibers reduces the lungs' ability to return to their normal shape. Avoiding air passage collapse does not apply, as emphysematous changes make the airways more prone to collapse, particularly during exhalation. Lastly, emphysema does not lead to an increase in the number of alveoli; rather, it results in the merging of adjacent alveoli into larger, less efficient airspaces, reducing the overall surface area available for gas exchange.