A fetus develops in such a way that the type II cells of the lungs never develop, resulting in no production of surfactant in the alveoli. The fetus continues development and survives to birth. What will happen when the newborn tries to take its first breath?
A)It won't be able to take its first breath because its lungs will remain collapsed from high surface tension.
B)It will breathe and then begin coughing as the alveoli will have little to no surface tension.
C)It won't be able to take its first breath because the lungs need to be filled with fluids after birth to allow them to expand. Without being completely filled with surfactant, air cannot enter.
D)The lungs will start to be digested, as surfactant blocks proteases and other fluids from reaching alveolar tissues.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without the production of surfactant in the alveoli, the surface tension will be high and the lungs will remain collapsed, making it difficult or even impossible for the newborn to take its first breath. This condition is known as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS).

A Fetus Develops in Such a Way That the Type