The elastic properties of arteries suffer degenerative changes with age, causing increases in BP via all of the following mechanisms except:

The correct choice indicates that a reduction of peripheral resistance does not contribute to the increases in blood pressure due to age-related changes in the elastic properties of arteries. As people age, their arteries undergo degenerative changes that result in the loss of elasticity and pliability, leading to stiffer vessels. This makes it more difficult for the arteries to expand with each heartbeat, which can cause an increase in systolic blood pressure.

When considering the mechanisms involved, loss of pliability, loss of compliance, and hardening of the vessel all directly contribute to an increase in blood pressure. Loss of pliability means that arteries cannot stretch effectively, which means blood flows through a less flexible vessel, raising pressure. Likewise, loss of compliance refers to the inability of blood vessels to accommodate changes in blood volume, which further increases pressure. The hardening of the vessel implies a decrease in elasticity, which similarly results in elevated blood pressure.

In contrast, a reduction in peripheral resistance generally serves to lower blood pressure, as it allows for easier blood flow through the circulatory system. Peripheral resistance is primarily influenced by the diameter of the blood vessels and the viscosity of the blood. If there were a reduction in peripheral resistance, it could actually help decrease the blood pressure rather than increase it