Lack of pulmonary surfactant

A. False Its formation starts around the 35th week.

B. True Fetal breathing movements wash it into this fluid.

C. False It increases the work of inspiration.

D. False Without surfactant the surface tension forces are great; these forces must be overcome during inspiration.

E. False The lungs are not used for gas exchange before birth; lack of surfactant causes poor oxygenation in the neonate.