QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Type 1 pneumocytes are the primary cells involved in gas exchange in the epithelium of the alveoli. They are not involved in surfactant production.
10003772
b
Type 1 pneumocyte
QuestionChoice
Goblet cells are mostly found in the epithelia of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and they secrete mucous, not surfactant.
10003774
d
Goblet cell
QuestionChoice
Surfactant is produced by Type 2 pneumocytes. The main function of surfactant is to reduce the surface tension across the alveoli, preventing their collapse. Type 2 pneumocytes develop their ability to secrete surfactant late in foetal development, so premature infants can have surfactant deficiency resulting in respiratory distress syndrome.
10003771
a
Type 2 pneumocyte
QuestionChoice
Clara cells are found in the bronchioles and serve to protect the bronchiolar epithelium. They also secrete a solution similar to surfactant to maintain a moist surface and reduce surface tension.
10003773
c
Clara cell
QuestionChoice
Chief cells are found in the stomach and secrete pepsinogen which breaks down proteins. They have no role in surfactant production.
10003775
e
Chief cell
Concept
Chapter
2693
4199
Surfactant
Topic
150
Respiratory physiology
13301
A baby is born in the neonatal unit at 25 weeks gestation. The paediatrician notes that the baby is breathing very fast, and subsequently diagnoses them with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome due to a deficiency of surfactant.

Which of the following cells is responsible for surfactant production?
a