Question

This acts to reduce the tendency of alveoli to collapse; it is a mixture of lipoproteins called what?

Answer 1

Reinflation of the alveoli following exhalation is made easier by pulmonary surfactant, which is a phospholipid and protein mixture that reduces surface tension.

Explanation:

This surfactant forms an underlying aqueous protein containing hypophase and an overlying phospholipid film composed primarily of dipalmitol phosphotidylcholine.

The surfactant, which is produced by great alveolar cells ( granular pneumocytes, a cuboidal epithelia), are the most numerous cells in the alveoli. The surfactant is continuously released by exocytosis.

This surfactant contributes to the lowering of alveolar tension. Without this the alveoli would collapse and a large force would be required for re expansion.