NEET Exam  >  NEET Questions  >   The alveoli contain specialized cells that s... Start Learning for Free
The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant is
  • a)
    to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapse
  • b)
    to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand them
  • c)
    to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flow
  • d)
    to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed of
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprot...
Thin layer of water on the inner surface of alveoli serves to contract the alveoli and makes them behave like unfilled balloons that resist inflation. This would mean tremendous effort to inhale and expand the alveoli and therefore to overcome this cells of the alveoli secrete pulmonary surfactant to decrease the surface tension of water lining the alveoli.
Free Test
Community Answer
The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprot...
Function of Pulmonary Surfactant:

The function of pulmonary surfactant is to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand them. This is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Pulmonary Surfactant:
- Pulmonary surfactant is a phospholipid-protein complex secreted by specialized cells in the alveoli called type II pneumocytes.
- It is composed of phospholipids (mainly dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine), proteins, and small amounts of other lipids.
- This surfactant lines the surface of the alveoli and reduces surface tension.

Surface Tension and Alveolar Expansion:
- Surface tension is the force that acts at the surface of a liquid and tends to minimize the surface area.
- In the alveoli, the presence of water molecules creates surface tension at the air-liquid interface.
- Surface tension tends to collapse the alveoli and make it difficult for them to expand during inhalation.

Role of Pulmonary Surfactant:
- Pulmonary surfactant plays a crucial role in reducing the surface tension of the alveoli.
- It does this by disrupting the cohesive forces between water molecules at the air-liquid interface, thereby reducing surface tension.
- By reducing surface tension, surfactant prevents the alveoli from collapsing and makes it easier to expand them during inhalation.
- This allows for efficient gas exchange in the lungs, as the alveoli can readily expand and accommodate air.

Significance of Pulmonary Surfactant:
- The presence of pulmonary surfactant is essential for the proper functioning of the respiratory system.
- In premature infants, the production of surfactant may be insufficient, leading to a condition called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
- RDS is characterized by difficulty in breathing and inadequate gas exchange due to the collapse of alveoli.
- Treatment with exogenous surfactant can alleviate the symptoms of RDS by restoring the surface tension-lowering properties of surfactant.

Conclusion:
In summary, the function of pulmonary surfactant is to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand them. This allows for efficient gas exchange in the lungs and prevents alveolar collapse.
Attention NEET Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for NEET 2024 is part of NEET preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the NEET exam syllabus. Information about The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for NEET 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for NEET. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for NEET Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The alveoli contain specialized cells that secrete a phospho lipoprotein complex known as pulmonary surfactant. The function of pulmonary surfactant isa)to provide some rigidity to the alveoli to prevent lung collapseb)to decrease the surface tension of the alveoli, making it easier to expand themc)to facilitate the diffusion of O2 and CO2 by providing protein channels through which these gases flowd)to provide a sticky surface upon which dust and microbes are trapped and disposed ofCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice NEET tests.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev