Pulmonary Surfactant

Question 1

What is surfactant?

Answer 1

A mixture of lipids and proteins that forms a surface film in alveoli.

Surfactant plays a crucial role in lung function and is essential for reducing surface tension.

Question 2

What are the two components of surfactant?

Answer 2

• Hydrophilic protein part
• Hydrophobic lipid component

The hydrophilic part resides in the alveolar fluid, while the hydrophobic part faces the air.

Question 3

What is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Answer 3

Reduces surface tension within the alveoli, preventing collapse and reducing the pressure required to re-inflate them.

This is critical for effective breathing and lung function.

Question 4

At what gestational age is surfactant typically produced?

Answer 4

34 weeks gestation.

Premature babies may face respiratory challenges due to insufficient surfactant.

Question 5

What proportion of the work of breathing is to overcome surface tension?

Answer 5

One-third.

This highlights the significance of surfactant in respiratory mechanics.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: The protein part of surfactant is __________.

Answer 6

hydrophilic.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The lipid component of surfactant is __________.

Answer 7

hydrophobic.

Question 8

What cell type is associated with the production of surfactant?

Answer 8

Alveolar type II cell.

These cells are essential for surfactant synthesis and secretion.

Question 9

True or False: Surfactant is produced before 20 weeks of gestation.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

What structure is responsible for surfactant storage and secretion?

Answer 10

Lamellar body.

Lamellar bodies are specialized organelles within alveolar type II cells.

Question 11

How does surfactant affect alveolar fluid?

Answer 11

It forms a surface film that reduces surface tension.

This interaction is crucial for maintaining alveolar stability.