Chapter 10, Problem 1CAQ2

Summary Introduction

To review:

The blank space in the statement, “As a result of the insufficient amount of pulmonary surfactant, the pathologic processes of a common newborn respiratory disease called _________ developed.”

Introduction:

The pulmonary surfactant is a mixture of proteins and lipids, which is secreted by epithelial cells into the alveolar space. Surfactants lower the surface tension within the alveoli of the lung. The traces of pulmonary surfactant begin to appear during fetal development, after the 28th week of the gestation period. A fetus born between 24 and 26 weeks may survive, with intensive neonatal care.

Please refer to Clinical Application Case-1 for further information.