Final answer:
Difficulty inflating the lungs is expected in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant by type II cells. Bovine or synthetic surfactant may be used in neonatal care to help these infants breathe easier.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a baby is born prematurely and the type II cells have not produced sufficient pulmonary surfactant, you would expect the infant to have difficulty inflating the lungs. Surfactant functions similarly to a detergent, reducing surface tension in the alveoli to facilitate easier expansion of the airways. Without enough surfactant, the neonate may experience respiratory distress syndrome, requiring more effort to inflate the lungs and facing potential lung collapse, especially in smaller alveoli.
Therefore, in hospitals and neonatal care units where premature births are treated, it is common to find bovine surfactant or synthetic surfactant preparations available for use. These surfactant replacements can be administered to the premature infant to reduce the work of breathing and help stabilize the function of their lungs until they can produce sufficient surfactant on their own.