Surfactant helps to prevent the alveoli from collapsing by ________.
A) humidifying the air before it enters
B) protecting the surface of alveoli from dehydration and other environmental variations
C) warming the air before it enters
D) interfering with the cohesiveness of water molecules, thereby reducing the surface tension of alveolar fluid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant interferes with the cohesiveness of water molecules, which reduces the surface tension of alveolar fluid. This reduces the tendency of alveoli to collapse, particularly during expiration when air pressure inside the alveoli is high.

Surfactant Helps to Prevent the Alveoli from Collapsing by ________