Respiratory System: Surface Tension in Alveoli
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the increase in pressure within the alveolus?

  • Hydrogen bonds between water molecules (correct)
  • Type II alveolar cells
  • Presence of surfactant in the alveoli
  • Phospholipids in the alveolar fluid

    • What is the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

  • To increase the surface tension
  • To increase the pressure within the alveolus
  • To decrease the number of alveoli
  • To reduce the surface tension (correct)

    • What is the result of surfactant deficiency in premature infants?

  • Collapse of alveoli and respiratory distress (correct)
  • Increased lung function
  • Production of excessive surfactant
  • Respiratory distress syndrome

    • What is the composition of surfactant?

    <p>Hydrophobic protein and phospholipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of mechanical ventilators in premature infants?

    <p>To support normal breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When do babies start producing their own surfactant?

    <p>When their lungs are sufficiently mature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary force responsible for surface tension in the alveoli?

    <p>Hydrogen bonds between water molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of high surface tension on alveoli?

    <p>It leads to the collapse of alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of type II alveolar cells in the alveoli?

    <p>To produce surfactant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the condition commonly seen in premature infants due to surfactant deficiency?

    <p>Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of exogenous surfactant in premature infants?

    <p>To reduce surface tension and improve lung function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of surfactant on the surface tension of the fluid layer in the alveoli?

    <p>It reduces surface tension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the location where surfactant molecules intercalate to reduce surface tension?

    <p>At the water-air interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do premature infants require mechanical ventilation?

    <p>Because their lungs are not mature enough to breathe on their own</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of reduced surface tension in the alveoli?

    <p>Decreased pressure of air within the alveolus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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