Lung Surfactant

Definition 1

Pulmonary surfactant lines the lung epithelium and lowers surface tension to prevent collapse at end-expiration. Deficiency of pulmonary surfactant results in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. Lung surfactant is synthesized in alveolar type II cells, stored in lamellar bodies and secreted via exocytosis. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 2

Lipoproteins in which the lipid moiety is based mainly on lecithin and other phospholipids. They may also contain small amounts of prostaglandins and other compounds. They are secreted by the mitochondria of type II alveolar cells. Surfactants regulate the surface tension of the mucoid layer lining the alveoli. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Definition 3

phospholipids secreted by the great alveolar cells into alveoli and respiratory air passages which contributes to the elastic property of pulmonary tissue. (NIH CRISP Thesaurus)

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