Damage to the type II pneumocytes of the lungs would result in all of the following except A)a loss of surfactant. B)a decreased rate of gas exchange. C)increased surface tension in the alveoli. D)increased tendency to alveolar collapse. E)decreased number of dust cells.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type II pneumocytes are responsible for producing and secreting surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and helps prevent their collapse. Damage to these cells would result in a loss of surfactant and an increased likelihood of alveolar collapse due to increased surface tension. It would also likely result in a decreased rate of gas exchange. However, type II pneumocytes have no role in the production or maintenance of dust cells, which are a type of immune cell found in the lungs, so their damage would not affect the number of dust cells in the lungs.

Damage to the Type II Pneumocytes of the Lungs Would