Definition for Difference between revisions of "Surfactant"
From Biology Forums Dictionary
(Created page with "A mixture of proteins and amphipathic lipids produced in certain alveolar cells that acts to reduce surface tension in lungs.") |
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| − | A mixture of proteins and amphipathic lipids produced in certain alveolar cells that acts to reduce surface tension in lungs. | + | A mixture of proteins and amphipathic lipids produced in certain alveolar cells that acts to reduce surface tension in lungs. It also keeps the alveoli from collapsing enabling the pulmonary circuit to continue functioning normally. Babies born before 33 weeks are administered synthetic surfactants to aid in respiration. |
Latest revision as of 21:12, 13 February 2012
A mixture of proteins and amphipathic lipids produced in certain alveolar cells that acts to reduce surface tension in lungs. It also keeps the alveoli from collapsing enabling the pulmonary circuit to continue functioning normally. Babies born before 33 weeks are administered synthetic surfactants to aid in respiration.