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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Understanding Respiratory Organs
What is the primary and unique role of surfactant in the lungs?
Possible Answers:
Lowering the surface tension of alveoli
All of these answers
Waterproofing the interior of the lungs
Disinfecting the interior of the lungs
Lubricating the bronchioles
Correct answer:
Lowering the surface tension of alveoli
Explanation:
Alveoli, like most bodily structures, are part of an aqueous environment, making them subject to the surface tension of water. Surfactant lowers surface tension, allowing the alveoli to expand with much less pressure than they would against full surface tension. As a result, inspiration of air requires less effort, making it more energetically efficient.
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