type II alveolar cells
The lung surfactant is a substance that coats the internal surfaces of the alveoli (air sacks) of the lungs and prevents them from sticking together in the deflated state when the baby exhales. If the infant is born before it produces lung surfactant, then the alveoli will be unable to be filled with air and the baby will suffocate.
A deficiency of lung surfactant may result in difficulty breathing, decreased lung compliance, and an increased risk of lung collapse or atelectasis. It can also lead to respiratory distress syndrome, especially in premature infants. Treatment often involves providing artificial surfactant therapy.
Surfactant
Surfactant is produced in the growing fetus starting around the 24th to 28th week of gestation, with significant production occurring between 34 to 36 weeks. It is primarily synthesized by type II alveolar cells in the lungs and plays a crucial role in reducing surface tension in the alveoli, aiding in lung expansion at birth. Adequate surfactant production is essential for proper respiratory function after delivery.
Increased compliance result
Alveoli does not collapse because lungs always have a residual volume which prevents the alveoli to collapse.
Type II alveolar cells, also known as pneumocytes, produce pulmonary surfactant. This fluid is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation and facilitating gas exchange. Surfactant plays a crucial role in maintaining lung stability and efficiency in breathing.
Am pretty sure its called the pulmonary surfactant that's produced from the lungs
between 28 and 30 weeks
Surfactant is a fluid secreted by alveolar cells in the lungs to reduce surface tension and prevent collapse. Surfactant is not typically present in the pleural cavity, and its presence there could indicate a medical issue such as lung injury or infection.
In the absence of surfactants, the surface tension of the liquid would be higher. This can lead to poor wetting and spreading of the liquid on a surface, impacting processes like cleaning, emulsification, and foaming. Surfactants help lower the surface tension, allowing them to perform these functions effectively.
Alveoli produce surfactant to reduce surface tension within the tiny air sacs of the lungs, which helps prevent their collapse during exhalation. This surfactant, primarily composed of phospholipids and proteins, allows for more efficient gas exchange by stabilizing the alveoli and ensuring that they remain open even at low lung volumes. Additionally, surfactant plays a crucial role in improving lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand during inhalation.