Prior to birth and breathing,the lung is solid and will sink in water.At birth,the lungs begin to fill with air,inflating the alveoli.The degree of inflation depends on the presence of __________,a fatty molecule on the respiratory membrane.

Question

​Prior to birth and breathing,the lung is solid and will sink in water.At birth,the lungs begin to fill with air,inflating the alveoli.The degree of inflation depends on the presence of __________,a fatty molecule on the respiratory membrane.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant is a fatty molecule that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, facilitating their inflation upon the initiation of breathing at birth. Without surfactant, the alveoli would collapse due to the high surface tension of the water lining the alveoli.

​Prior to Birth and Breathing,the Lung Is Solid and Will

Prior to Birth and Breathing,the Lung Is Solid and Will