CLINICAL MEDICINE

Detailed explanation-1: -Without normal surfactant, the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs (the alveoli) sticks together (because of a force called surface tension) after exhalation, causing the alveoli to collapse.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is established that pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension at the air–water interface in the alveoli, thereby preventing collapse of these structures at end-expiration. In this manner, surfactant reduces the work associated with breathing.

Detailed explanation-3: -If you don’t have enough air coming in to inflate your alveoli or if outside pressure is pushing on them, they can collapse (atelectasis). Atelectasis can happen in a small area or the whole lung. If enough of your lung is affected, your blood may not receive enough oxygen, which can cause health issues.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decreased surfactant activity results in alveolar collapse, atelectasis, ventilation-perfusion abnormalities, decreased lung compliance, resulting in a decreased ventilation and pulmonary hypertension leading to respiratory failure. Surfactant maintains lung volumes and enhances the clearance of lung liquid.