Match each term with the correct definition.
Airway resistance
Surface tension
Surfactant
Pulmonary compliance
V/Q ratio
a. A detergent-like chemical secreted by bronchial smooth muscle that reduces surface tension
b. The matching of ventilation to perfusion
c. Largely determined by the diameter of the airways
d. Caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules
e. Determined by the surface tension of the alveoli, the elastic tissue of the lungs, and the condition of the chest wall

Question

Match each term with the correct definition.

Airway resistance

Surface tension

Surfactant

Pulmonary compliance

V/Q ratio

a. A detergent-like chemical secreted by bronchial smooth muscle that reduces surface tension

b. The matching of ventilation to perfusion

c. Largely determined by the diameter of the airways

d. Caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules

e. Determined by the surface tension of the alveoli, the elastic tissue of the lungs, and the condition of the chest wall

Accepted Answer

Hi, everyone. Let's take a look at this practice problem together, identify the incorrectly matched pair. The answer options are a surfactant and reduce alveolar surface tension. B. Pulmonary compliance and ability of the lungs and the chest wall to stretch C. Airway resistance and resistance to airflow in the respiratory passages and D alveolar surface tension and tendency of alveoli to expand uniformly. So let's just start going through the answer options. Option. A surfactant recall is an oily substance that keeps alveoli from collapsing by reducing surface tension. So, surfactant does reduce alveolar surface tension and option A is matched correctly. So we'll eliminate option A option B. Pulmonary compliance recall is a measure of how easily the lungs expand. So pulmonary compliance is the ability of the lungs and the chest wall to stretch. Option B is correctly matched and so it cannot be the correct answer either option. C airwave resistance recall that airway resistance is the resistance of the respiratory passages to airflow. It is a parameter that is used to determine lung function. Option C is also matched correctly and therefore not the correct answer. The incorrectly matched pair is option D alveolar surface tension recall is created by the attraction between liquid molecules on the surface of the alveoli. And this tension helps the alveoli resist stretching and expansion. So, alveolar surface tension is the tendency of alveoli to resist stretching and expansion. The correct answer is option d alveolar surface tension and tendency of alveoli to expand uniformly. All right, everyone. I hope you found this helpful and I'll see you soon for the next practice problem.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Airway Resistance

Surface Tension

Surfactant