Which of the following promotes elastic recoil of the lungs?
A) elastic fibers in the lung
B) surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli
C) pulmonary surfactant
D) elastic fibers in the lung and surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli
E) all of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elastic fibers in the lungs and surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli both contribute to the elastic recoil of the lungs. Elastic fibers in the lungs allow them to stretch during inhalation and then recoil back to their original size during exhalation, while surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli pulls the alveoli open during inhalation and helps them recoil during exhalation. Pulmonary surfactant, on the other hand, reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent them from collapsing, but does not directly contribute to elastic recoil.

Which of the Following Promotes Elastic Recoil of the Lungs