Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is a condition peculiar to premature babies. In IRDS insufficient surfactant is produced. What does this cause and how is it treated?

What will be an ideal response


Too little surfactant results in increased surface tension that can collapse the alveoli. Great effort is required to completely reinflate the alveoli during each inspiration. IRDS is treated by spraying natural or synthetic surfactant into the newborn's respiratory passageways. Also, devices that maintain positive airway pressure throughout the respiratory cycle can keep the alveoli open between breaths. Severe cases require mechanical ventilators.

Anatomy & Physiology

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The portion of the larynx seen on CT axial images encircling the laryngopharynx is the ____________________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Anatomy & Physiology

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Fill in the blanks with correct word

Anatomy & Physiology