Surfactant produced by type II pneumocytes facilitates alveolar distention and ventilation by:
A)decreasing thoracic compliance.
B)attracting water to the alveolar surface.
C)decreasing surface tension in alveoli.
D)increasing surface tension in alveoli.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant, a lipoprotein produced by type II alveolar cells, has a detergent-like effect that separates the liquid molecules, thereby decreasing alveolar surface tension.

Surfactant Produced by Type II Pneumocytes Facilitates Alveolar Distention and Ventilation