Question:
In respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a child, which cells are found to be defective?
In respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a child, which cells are found to be defective?
Show Hint
Think about which alveolar cell makes surfactant (DPPC).
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Type 1 pneumocytes
- Type 2 pneumocytes
- Bronchial epithelium
- None
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Answer: Type 2 pneumocytes.
Step 1: Type I pneumocytes form the thin alveolar wall across which gas exchange happens. Type II pneumocytes are the cuboidal cells that synthesise and secrete pulmonary surfactant.
Step 2: The chief surfactant component is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, also called dipalmitoyl lecithin). It lowers alveolar surface tension and stops alveolar collapse at end-expiration.
Step 3: In RDS, immature or damaged Type II pneumocytes cannot make enough DPPC, so surfactant is deficient. Alveoli collapse, work of breathing rises, and the infant develops respiratory distress.
Step 4: Bronchial epithelium is not the source of surfactant, so it is not the answer. Ref: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10e.
Step 1: Type I pneumocytes form the thin alveolar wall across which gas exchange happens. Type II pneumocytes are the cuboidal cells that synthesise and secrete pulmonary surfactant.
Step 2: The chief surfactant component is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, also called dipalmitoyl lecithin). It lowers alveolar surface tension and stops alveolar collapse at end-expiration.
Step 3: In RDS, immature or damaged Type II pneumocytes cannot make enough DPPC, so surfactant is deficient. Alveoli collapse, work of breathing rises, and the infant develops respiratory distress.
Step 4: Bronchial epithelium is not the source of surfactant, so it is not the answer. Ref: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10e.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Pathology Questions
- Which of the following is true regarding the Mendelian mode of inheritance?
- A child presents with intermittent jaundice and splenomegaly. There is a history of similar complaints in the elder brother. Peripheral smear shows the following finding. How will you investigate this condition?
- An African child is found to have a mass in the jaw. A biopsy of the mass was done, and it appears as shown in the image below. The child also had a translocation of t(8;14). What is the probable diagnosis?
- A child presented to the hospital with cola-colored urine, hypertension, and puffiness of eyes. Laboratory investigations were done, and creatinine was 2.5 mg/dL. Treatment was started, and despite treatment, the patient did not improve for the next 3 weeks. The creatinine value increased to 4.5 mg/dL. Which among the following electron microscopic findings will be seen in this patient ?
- A patient was transfused 4 units of blood 2 hours ago, and now she complains of chest discomfort. X-ray shows bilateral fissural thickening. Which of the following is the most probable cause ?
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions