Determine when the fetal lungs begin producing surfactant and explain why it is important

What will be an ideal response?


The fetal lungs begin producing surfactant during month 6 of prenatal development. Without surfactant, alveoli collapse during exhalation and are difficult to re-inflate due to alveolar surface tension. Infants born before 24 weeks develop infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) because surfactant is not produced in the alveoli until this time.

Anatomy & Physiology

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A subthreshold stimulus evokes only a small muscle twitch instead of a full tetanic contraction

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Anatomy & Physiology

________ is the physiological process that monitors and maintains a stable internal environment or equilibrium.

A. Homeostasis B. Negative feedback loop C. Positive feedback loop D. Metabolism

Anatomy & Physiology

The internal environment of a multicellular organism is the fluid surrounding cells, through which life-sustaining exchanges are made

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Anatomy & Physiology

A neuron receives a stimulus.  Which of the following events happens next?

A. Repolarization of the membrane B. A resting membrane potential is established C. Threshold is reached D. Hyperpolarization of the membrane E. A local potential develops

Anatomy & Physiology