Question

Please fill in the gaps. Surfactant _____ surface , ______ compliance of the lung, ______ work of breathing, and is produced by _______ in the lung.

A. Decreases, increases, decreases, endothelial cells
B. Increases, increases, decreases, type 2 alveolar epithelial cells
C. Decreases, decreases, decreases, type 1 alveolar epithelial cells
D. Increases, decreases, increases, type 1 alveolar epithelial cells
E. Decreases, increases, decreases, type 2 alveolar epithelial cells

Answer 1

Surfactant decreases surface tension, increases lung compliance, decreases the work of breathing, and is produced by type 2 alveolar epithelial cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question 'Please fill in the gaps. Surfactant _____ surface tension, ______ compliance of the lung, ______ work of breathing, and is produced by _______ in the lung.' is E. Decreases, increases, decreases, type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. Surfactant functions like a detergent, reducing the surface tension within the alveoli, making it easier for the airways to inflate, thereby increasing lung compliance and decreasing the work of breathing. Surfactant is produced by type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. These cells intersperse among type I cells and are vital for preventing alveoli collapse during expiration by reducing surface tension, thus facilitating the exchange of gases during respiration.