what does pulmonary surfactant do
Type II avleolar epithelial cells secrete pulmonary surfactant to lower the surface tension of water, which helps prevent airway collapse. Reinflation of the alveoli following exhalation is made easier by pulmonary surfactant. The surfactant reduces surface tension within all alveoli through hydrophilic and hydrophobic forces. Insufficient pulmonary surfactant in the alveoli can contribute to atelectasis (collapse of part or all of the lung).