Surfactants

Question

Surfactants
A) prevent collapse of the alveoli.
B) induce anaphylaxis.
C) cause upper respiratory obstruction.
D) decrease thoracic volume.

Accepted Answer

Surfactants are compounds that decrease the surface tension of a liquid and can be found in the lungs. In the lungs, surfactants prevent the collapse of alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. By decreasing surface tension, surfactants promote the stability of the alveoli and prevent them from collapsing during exhalation.