What is the role of surfactant in neonatal lungs?

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Multiple Choice

What is the role of surfactant in neonatal lungs?

Surfactant lowers surface tension inside the alveoli, which makes the lungs easier to inflate and increases lung compliance. By reducing the tendency of the smallest alveoli to collapse at end expiration, it keeps more of the airways open and improves gas exchange after birth. In premature babies, surfactant deficiency leads to alveolar collapse (atelectasis) and respiratory distress. It’s produced by type II pneumocytes and is rich in phospholipids and special proteins that spread over the alveolar lining to counteract surface tension. This is why the role of surfactant is to prevent collapse and improve oxygenation, not to increase mucus, hinder diffusion, or promote collapse.

Surfactant lowers surface tension inside the alveoli, which makes the lungs easier to inflate and increases lung compliance. By reducing the tendency of the smallest alveoli to collapse at end expiration, it keeps more of the airways open and improves gas exchange after birth. In premature babies, surfactant deficiency leads to alveolar collapse (atelectasis) and respiratory distress. It’s produced by type II pneumocytes and is rich in phospholipids and special proteins that spread over the alveolar lining to counteract surface tension. This is why the role of surfactant is to prevent collapse and improve oxygenation, not to increase mucus, hinder diffusion, or promote collapse.

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