Question 1

What is the Meaning of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

Surfactants are amphipathic molecules that reduce surface tension at liquid-gas interfaces. In biological systems, these compounds maintain the integrity and function of various fluid-filled structures. Their molecular design allows them to orient themselves at interfaces, effectively lowering the liquid's cohesive forces.

Question 2

What is the Context of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

Within human physiology, surfactants are notably present in the pulmonary system, lining the alveoli of the lungs. Pulmonary surfactant, a complex mixture of lipids and proteins, is synthesized by alveolar type II cells. Beyond the lungs, surfactant-like properties contribute to lubrication and stability across different organ systems.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

The physiological importance of pulmonary surfactants is critical for respiratory health. They prevent small airway and alveolar collapse during exhalation, ensuring efficient gas exchange and reducing breathing effort. Deficiency leads to severe respiratory distress, particularly in premature neonates, highlighting their indispensable role in lung compliance.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

Surfactants exert effect by interspersing hydrophobic tails within the air-liquid interface, while hydrophilic heads remain in the aqueous phase. This arrangement disrupts water molecule hydrogen bonding at the surface, decreasing tension. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is a primary phospholipid, alongside surfactant proteins (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, SP-D) aiding spreading and immune functions.

Question 5

What is the Application of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, exogenous surfactant therapy is a cornerstone intervention for neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), characterized by immature lung development and insufficient endogenous surfactant production. This approach involves direct tracheal instillation of synthetic or animal-derived surfactant, supplementing deficient pulmonary reserves and improving lung mechanics.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary surfactant function in neonates is assessed through clinical parameters like oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and effort. Chest radiography reveals characteristic patterns of lung immaturity. In older individuals, lung function tests, including spirometry, provide indirect measures of lung compliance influenced by surfactant activity.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Surfactants?

Accepted Answer

While exogenous surfactant administration is generally well-tolerated, potential risks include transient airway obstruction, reflux, or bradycardia during instillation. Long-term risks of surfactant deficiency or its therapeutic management involve chronic lung disease or increased susceptibility to pulmonary infections. Careful monitoring is essential to mitigate adverse events.

Surfactants

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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