Pulmonary surfactant
What is the main role of pulmonary surfactant?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Higher surface tension would promote alveolar collapse.
B
Mucus and cilia in the airways trap pathogens.
C
A thicker membrane would slow gas diffusion.
D
Correct. Surfactant, made by type II pneumocytes, reduces surface tension so alveoli stay open. Premature infants may lack enough.
TakeawaySurfactant lowers surface tension and keeps alveoli open.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb94.