Surfactant facilitates alveolar distention and ventilation by: ...

[armygirl]

Surfactant facilitates alveolar distention and ventilation by:
 
  a. decreasing thoracic compliance.
  b. attracting water to the alveolar surface.
  c. decreasing surface tension in alveoli.
  d. increasing diffusion in alveoli.

Question 2

The pressure required to inflate an alveolus is inversely related to:
 
  a. wall thickness.
  b. surface tension.
  c. minute volume.
  d. alveolar radius.

[ecox1012]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Surfactant decreases surface tension in alveoli, allowing the lungs to inflate. Surfactant does not decrease thoracic compliance, attract water, or increase diffusion.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The radius of the alveoli is inversely related to the pressure required to inflate it. The pressure re-quired is not associated with wall thickness, surface tension, or minute volume.

[armygirl]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[amynguyen1221]

Gracias!