Type II alveolar cells are among the last cells to mature during fetal development.In babies born prematurely,type II alveolar cells are often not ready to perform their function.Which of the following would be TRUE of these babies?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing. In babies born prematurely, type II alveolar cells may not have sufficiently produced surfactant, leading to an increased risk of alveolar collapse due to too much surface tension.

Type II Alveolar Cells Are Among the Last Cells to Mature