Alveolar Cells

Question 1

What are Type I alveolar cells?

Answer 1

Simple epithelial cells covering 90% of the alveolar surface and are very thin to support gas exchange.

Type I alveolar cells are crucial for allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse through the alveolar membrane.

Question 2

What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?

Answer 2

Secrete alveolar fluid that contains pulmonary surfactant.

Type II cells play a key role in maintaining surface tension and preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 3

What is pulmonary surfactant?

Answer 3

A substance that reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing collapse.

Pulmonary surfactant is essential for proper lung function and gas exchange.

Question 4

What is the role of alveolar fluid?

Answer 4

Allows gases to diffuse through it.

This fluid is important for effective gas exchange in the alveoli.

Question 5

What are alveolar macrophages?

Answer 5

white blood cells that engulf and destroy microbes entering the alveoli.

Alveolar macrophages are crucial for protecting the lungs from infection.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Type I alveolar cells cover _______ of the alveolar surface.

Answer 6

90%

Question 7

True or False: Pulmonary surfactant is secreted by Type I alveolar cells.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What is the thickness of the alveolar membrane?

Answer 8

0.5 um

This thinness is essential for efficient gas exchange.

Question 9

What is the primary component of the fluid secreted by Type II alveolar cells?

Answer 9

Pulmonary surfactant

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The term ‘surfactant’ refers to a _______ and active substance.

Answer 10

surface

Question 11

What is the gestation period?

Answer 11

Time when the fetus develops.

This period is critical for the development of the lungs and other organs.