Verified Solution Biology Breathing and Exchange of Gases

A premature infant born with underdeveloped surfactant-producing cells would likely exhibit:

8 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 20, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AIncreased lung compliance and reduced inspiratory effort.
  • BDecreased surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse.
  • CIncreased work of breathing and reduced functional residual capacity.
  • DNormal gas exchange efficiency due to compensatory mechanisms.
Explanation

Without sufficient surfactant, alveolar surface tension increases, making the alveoli difficult to inflate (decreased compliance) and prone to collapse. This leads to increased work of breathing and reduced FRC due to collapsed alveoli.

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