surfactant

(noun)

a lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport

Related Terms

Examples of surfactant in the following topics:

  • The Work of Breathing

    • Breathing includes several components, including flow-resistive and elastic work; surfactant production; and lung resistance and compliance.
    • Surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and lipoproteins that works to reduce the surface tension that exists between the alveoli tissue and the air found within the alveoli.
    • Surfactant works like a detergent to reduce the surface tension, allowing for easier inflation of the airways.
    • Sometimes, in babies that are born prematurely, there is lack of surfactant production; as a result, they suffer from respiratory distress syndrome and require more effort to inflate the lungs.
    • Explain the roles played by surfactant, flow-resistive and elastic work, and lung resistance and compliance in breathing

  • Prokaryotes and Environmental Bioremediation

    • Some species, such as Alcanivorax borkumensis, produce surfactants that solubilize the oil, whereas other bacteria degrade the oil into carbon dioxide.