What Cell Type Secretes Surfactant

Alveolar type II cells secrete a lipoprotein material called surfactant, whose primary function is to reduce the surface tension in the alveoli.

What cells secrete surfactant?

The pulmonary surfactant is produced by the alveolar type-II (AT-II) cells of the lungs. It is essential for efficient exchange of gases and for maintaining the structural integrity of alveoli. Surfactant is a secretory product, composed of lipids and proteins.

What do type I and type II alveolar cells do?

The type I cell is a complex branched cell with multiple cytoplasmic plates that are greatly attenuated and relatively devoid of organelles; these plates represent the gas exchange surface in the alveolus. On the other hand, the type II cell acts as the “caretaker” of the alveolar compartment.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.

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