In: Biology
The role of surfactant in the lungs has been described to relate to:
a. |
Protect lung surface |
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b. |
Destroy foreign material |
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c. |
Produce mucus in the alveoli |
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d. |
Help prevent the alveoli from collapsing |
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Lungs are composed of two distinct components. One system is totally composed of tubes to conduct air in and out of lungs. The other is alveoli, site for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and pulmonary capillaries. The alveoli are lined by flat squamous cells and large secretory cells that produce a lipid compound called surfactant to reduce surface tension in lungs. The role of surfactant is to prevent the alveoli from collapsing. Option d is correct.
The pulmonary alveoli filled with the fluid or exudate or mucus accumulated due to inflammation do not allow the inspired air to enter and thus, pulmonary gas exchange is obstructed.