What would be the effect of surfactant deficiency in the lungs?

Surfactant plays a critical role in the functioning of the lungs, particularly in maintaining proper surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli. When there is a deficiency of surfactant, it leads to increased surface tension in the alveoli. This increased tension can make it more difficult for the alveoli to expand during inhalation, contributing to a higher risk of alveolar collapse, or atelectasis.

Surfactant is produced by type II alveolar cells and works to reduce the cohesive forces between water molecules, thus stabilizing the alveoli and preventing them from collapsing under low lung volumes. In the absence of sufficient surfactant, smaller alveoli may collapse, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced lung compliance. This ultimately means that the lungs require increased effort to inflate and draw in air, exacerbating breathing difficulties and compromising oxygenation.

The physiological effects of surfactant deficiency underscore the importance of surfactant in respiratory mechanics, gas exchange efficiency, and overall lung function.