alleryStart learning →Pulmonary surfactant is secreted by which cells?
AAlveolar macrophages
BType I alveolar cells
CType II alveolar cells
DGoblet cells of the bronchi
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Type II alveolar cells
1. Surfactant reduces the surface tension of the alveoli.
2. It is secreted by type II alveolar cells, which sit interspersed among the type I cells.
3. So the third option is correct.
4. Goblet cells make mucus in the conducting airways, and macrophages clear debris, so neither secretes surfactant.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 22 "The Respiratory System", section 22.1 Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System_
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