Why is Surfactant Important for a Baby

Question

Why is surfactant important for a baby?
A) Without it, the baby's brain doesn't function properly.
B) It causes proper development of the heart.
C) Without it, the baby can't breathe properly.
D) All of the above are important functions of surfactant.

Accepted Answer

Surfactant is crucial for a baby because it reduces surface tension in the lungs, preventing the alveoli from collapsing and thereby enabling proper breathing. Without sufficient surfactant, a baby would struggle to breathe effectively, leading to conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome.