What is the primary role of surfactant in newborns?

The primary role of surfactant in newborns is to reduce surface tension in the alveoli. Surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that is secreted by the epithelial cells of the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. By lowering surface tension, surfactant prevents the alveoli from collapsing, especially during exhalation, thereby facilitating easier breathing and improving gas exchange.

In the context of newborns, adequate surfactant production is crucial because their lungs are often immature at birth, particularly in preterm infants. Insufficient surfactant can lead to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common condition in premature infants, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to collapsed alveoli and inadequate oxygenation.

Understanding the roles of surfactant emphasizes its importance in neonatal respiratory health, as it directly influences the infant's ability to breathe effectively after birth and helps to ensure optimal lung function.