Without surfactant, the surface tension within the alveoli of the lungs would cause __________.
A) collapse of alveoli
B) a drop in pressure within alveoli
C) over-inflation of alveoli
D) leakiness of the respiratory membrane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant reduces the surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse by keeping them open, thus facilitating gas exchange. Without surfactant, the high surface tension would indeed cause the alveoli to collapse, a condition known as atelectasis.

Without Surfactant, the Surface Tension Within the Alveoli of the Lungs