The detergent-like substance that keeps the alveoli from collapsing between breaths because it reduces the surface tension of the water film in the alveoli is called a. lecithin, b. bile, c. surfactant, d. reluctant.

Video transcript

Hi, everyone. Let's look at our next problem. Surfactants are mixtures of lipids and proteins produced by the lungs that reduce surface tension in the Veli preventing their collapse and ensuring efficient gas exchange surfactant deficiency in newborns can lead to a bronchitis B, pneumonia C asthma or D respiratory distress syndrome. Well, the answer here is choice. D respiratory distress syndrome is caused by surfactant deficiency in newborns. This is understandably uh more most prevalent and premature infants because their body hasn't yet produced sufficient surfactant. This means that their Veli tend to collapse with each breath and that of course, prevents efficient gas exchange, makes breathing more difficult. This is why uh the development of artificial surfactant was a huge leap forward in allowing more premature babies to survive at earlier ages. Um So they can be treated with artificial surfactant to prevent Ovelar collapse. Uh Both to pro as a preventative treatment if they're born early enough that it's just known they won't have a surfactant or as a treatment if they're already experiencing respiratory distress syndrome. Let's look at our other answer. Choices. Uh Choice. A bronchitis. This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and it's not caused by surfactant deficiency. So, caused by other uh effects, both maybe the chemicals breathe in or uh the germ and illness but not uh caused by surfactant deficiency. So not our answer. Choice here. Choice B. Pneumonia is the first one infection of the lungs. And while surfactant deficiency and respiratory distress syndrome, increase the risk of pneumonia. They're not a direct cause of pneumonia. So choice B also incorrect and that's the same with choice C. Asthma, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition involving inflammation and constriction of the airwaves. And it's not again, not directly caused by surfactant deficiency. It has a lot of complex causes including immune and inflammatory factors. So that's why Tracy not correct. So again, A B and C are conditions that affect the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing but don't directly result from surfactant deficiency. Uh The condition that does result directly from that is Choice D Respiratory distress syndrome or R DS. See you in the next video.