prevent each alveolus from collapsing as air moves in and out during respiration
The main function or job of a surfactant is to reduce surface tension. This process is used on liquids while it dissolves.
Fetuses begin to produce surfactant in their lungs around 24-28 weeks of gestation, and its production increases as the pregnancy progresses. Surfactant is necessary for lung development and function by reducing surface tension in the alveoli, allowing for proper expansion and preventing collapse.
Type II alveolar cells in the lungs secrete surfactant, a substance that helps reduce surface tension in the alveoli to prevent their collapse during exhalation. This surfactant is crucial for maintaining optimal lung function by promoting proper gas exchange.
A surface-active agent 'surfactant' usually cleans something. ie -soap is a surfactant.
Surfactant is pleural fluid.
Type 2 alveoli cells secrete surfactant, which helps to reduce surface tension in the alveoli. This allows for easier expansion of the alveoli during inhalation and prevents them from collapsing during exhalation, promoting efficient gas exchange.
Normally surfactant replacement therapy keeps the infant alive until the lungs start producing their own surfactant.
Alveoli are found within the lungs. The alveoli act as a specialised gaseous exchange surface in mammals. Another function of alveoli is the production of surfactant.
When surfactant is added, it reduces the surface tension in the alveoli, making it easier for the lungs to expand during inspiration. This allows for an increase in tidal volume, improving overall lung function and oxygen exchange.
I have never heard the surfactant called anything specific. Full term babies usually have surfactant (a mixture of lipids (fats) and proteins). Premature babies many times do not have enough surfactant to keep the alveoli of their lungs open, so artificial surfactant is put into the trachea, sometimes more than once.
surfactant
28805-58-5 < 63.0 %;Anionic surfactant blend > 35.0 %