Answer:
Hyaline membrane disease, also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is mainly associated with type II pneumocyte development.
Type II pneumocytes are specialized cells in the lungs responsible for producing and secreting surfactant, a substance that helps reduce surface tension in the alveoli and prevents their collapse during exhalation. In infants with hyaline membrane disease, there is inadequate development of type II pneumocytes, leading to insufficient surfactant production.
This condition is commonly seen in premature infants, particularly those born before 34 weeks of gestation. Premature babies often have immature lungs with underdeveloped type II pneumocytes and insufficient surfactant production, resulting in difficulties in expanding their lungs and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively.
Other risk factors for hyaline membrane disease include a family history of the condition, maternal diabetes, C-section delivery before 39 weeks, male gender, and certain complications during pregnancy.
Therefore, the correct option is: type II pneumocyte development.