fetal respiration

Question 1

compliance

Answer 1

the ease at which something can be stretched

lungs are poorly compliant for initial inflation

Question 2

surface tension

Answer 2

the tendency of liquid surface to pull together by molecular forces
surface tension in the fluid lining the alveoli reduces lung compliance and makes alveolar collapse more likely

Question 3

pulmonary surfactant

Answer 3

lipoprotein
reduces surface tension, increases compliance and contributes to lung stability
reduces risk of pulmonary oedema
secreted by type II alveolar cells
production increases markedly after 34 weeks
several hormones stimulate surfactant production:
-cortisol
-thyroxine
-prolactin

Question 4

infant respiratory distress syndrome

Answer 4

secondary to surfactant deficiency
treatment=oxygen, supportive continuous positive airway pressure, artificial ventilation
prevention=corticosteroid treatment to the mother