Alveolar surface tension Flashcards
1
Q
what is surface tension
A
when the attraction between the liquid molecules is stronger than the attraction between the gas and liquid molecules
2
Q
what should molecules of liquid naturally to try maximize
A
the contact amongst themselves
3
Q
what should the molecules of liquid naturally try to minimise
A
the contact with the gas
4
Q
what should the molecules of liquid naturally try to resist
A
any force that doesn’t allow them to do so (e.g. increasing liquid surface area)
5
Q
what do alveoli contain
A
a surfactant
6
Q
what does the surfactant that alveoli contain do
A
reduces surface tension and prevents the alveoli from collapsing during ventilation
