0
What else can I help you with?
What is the medical term meaning imperfect dilation of the lungs or the collapse of an alveolus?
Atelectasis is the medical term for the imperfect dilation of the lungs or the collapse of an alveolus. Atelectasis can be caused by various factors such as blockage of the airways, pressure on the lung, or inadequate surfactant production. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause and providing respiratory support if necessary.
When do fetuses begin to produce surfactant?
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.
The role of surfactant in relation to water?
Surfactant is used in the lungs to break water tension within the alveoli. Without it, the alveoli will collapse and you will suffocate and die.
What keep the alveoli from collapsing?
Alveoli does not collapse because lungs always have a residual volume which prevents the alveoli to collapse.
Is surfactant a problem in the pleural cavity?
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.
Is surfactant released from type 2 pneumocytes of the alveoli?
Yes, surfactant is released from type II pneumocytes in the alveoli. These specialized cells produce and secrete pulmonary surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation and aiding in gas exchange. Surfactant is crucial for maintaining normal lung function and respiratory mechanics.
What would happen if surfactant were not present?
Without surfactant, the surface tension of a liquid would be higher, making it harder for a substance to spread or be absorbed. In the human body, surfactant is crucial for reducing surface tension in the alveoli to prevent collapse and aid in gas exchange. Without surfactant, respiratory distress and difficulty breathing can occur.
What is the lipid-based molecule called that coats the air-exposed surface of the alveolus?
The lipid-based molecule that coats the air-exposed surface of the alveolus is called pulmonary surfactant. Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse and allowing for efficient gas exchange in the lungs.
The molecule that prevents lung collapse by lowering the surface tension of the water film lining each alveolar sac?
Surfactant
What type of cell secrets surfactant?
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.
What cells secrete surfactant that reduces the tendency for pulmonary alveoli to collapse?
Type II alveolar cells in the lungs secrete surfactant, which is a specialized fluid that lowers surface tension in the alveoli. This reduces the tendency for the alveoli to collapse during exhalation and helps maintain the elasticity of the lungs for efficient gas exchange.
The lining of the alveolus is coated with an oily secretion called?
The lining of the alveolus is coated with a surfactant composed of phospholipids and proteins. This surfactant helps reduce surface tension, preventing the collapse of the alveoli during exhalation, and aids in the exchange of gases in the lungs.
