Did You Know!
Within the alveoli, specialized cells called type II pneumocytes produce a substance called surfactant. Surfactant is crucial for reducing surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation. This ensures that the alveoli remain open, maximizing the surface area available for gas exchange. Without sufficient surfactant, a condition known as respiratory distress syndrome can occur, particularly in premature infants whose lungs may not yet produce enough surfactant for proper function.