Question

Which lipid compound decreases water surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse in the lungs?

A) Cholesterol
B) Triglycerides
C) Surfactant
D) Phospholipids

Answer 1

Surfactant is the lipid compound that decreases water surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse in the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lipid compound that decreases water surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse in the lungs is surfactant. Surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and lipoproteins that reduces the surface tension between the alveoli tissue and the air within the alveoli.

By lowering the surface tension, surfactant prevents the alveoli from collapsing, ensuring proper lung function.