Final answer:
The respiratory membrane through which gases diffuse does not include surfactant as one of its structural components; surfactant is produced by type II pneumocytes but is not part of the membrane itself. So, the best answer is d, Surfactant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory membrane through which gases diffuse includes the following components:
Alveolar epithelium: Formed by type I alveolar cells, this is an extremely thin layer that is highly permeable to gases.
Capillary basement membrane: A thin, elastic structure that the alveolar epithelium attaches to, forming part of the blood-air barrier.
Type II pneumocytes: These cells are interspersed among type I cells and are responsible for secreting pulmonary surfactant.
However, the component that is NOT part of the respiratory membrane but associated with its function is surfactant.
While surfactant is produced by type II alveolar cells and plays a critical role in reducing the surface tension of the alveoli, it is not a structural part of the respiratory membrane itself.
So, the best answer is d, Surfactant.
Q: The respiratory membrane through which gases diffuse includes all of the following components EXCEPT:
a. Alveolar epithelium
b. Capillary basement membrane
c. Type II pneumocytes
d. Surfactant