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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for the increase in pressure within the alveolus?
What is the function of surfactant in the alveoli?
What is the result of surfactant deficiency in premature infants?
What is the composition of surfactant?
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What is the purpose of mechanical ventilators in premature infants?
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When do babies start producing their own surfactant?
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What is the primary force responsible for surface tension in the alveoli?
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What is the effect of high surface tension on alveoli?
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What is the role of type II alveolar cells in the alveoli?
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What is the condition commonly seen in premature infants due to surfactant deficiency?
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What is the function of exogenous surfactant in premature infants?
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What is the effect of surfactant on the surface tension of the fluid layer in the alveoli?
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What is the location where surfactant molecules intercalate to reduce surface tension?
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Why do premature infants require mechanical ventilation?
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What is the result of reduced surface tension in the alveoli?
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Study Notes
Surface Tension in the Alveoli
- Surface tension is exerted by the fluid secreted in the alveoli, caused by strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules at the surface.
- This surface tension increases the pressure of air within the alveolus, helping in expiration.
Role of Surfactant
- Surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension by intercalating between water molecules at the air-water interface.
- This reduction in surface tension prevents alveolar collapse.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
- Surfactant deficiency is associated with RDS, a condition commonly seen in premature infants.
- RDS is characterized by collapsed alveoli due to lack of surfactant, leading to respiratory distress.
Treatment of RDS
- Mechanical ventilators and artificial exogenous surfactant can be used to treat RDS.
- This therapy reduces surface tension, improves lung function, and prevents alveolar collapse and respiratory distress.
Maturation of Lungs
- When a baby's lungs are sufficiently mature, they manufacture their own surfactant.
Surface Tension in the Alveoli
- Surface tension is exerted by the fluid secreted in the alveoli, caused by strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules at the surface.
- This surface tension increases the pressure of air within the alveolus, helping in expiration.
Role of Surfactant
- Surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension by intercalating between water molecules at the air-water interface.
- This reduction in surface tension prevents alveolar collapse.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
- Surfactant deficiency is associated with RDS, a condition commonly seen in premature infants.
- RDS is characterized by collapsed alveoli due to lack of surfactant, leading to respiratory distress.
Treatment of RDS
- Mechanical ventilators and artificial exogenous surfactant can be used to treat RDS.
- This therapy reduces surface tension, improves lung function, and prevents alveolar collapse and respiratory distress.
Maturation of Lungs
- When a baby's lungs are sufficiently mature, they manufacture their own surfactant.
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Description
Discover how surface tension in alveoli affects respiration and how surfactant helps to reduce it. Learn about the role of surfactant in preventing alveolar collapse.
