Medical Definition of Surfactant
Surfactant: A fluid secreted by the cells of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs) that serves to reduce the surface tension of pulmonary fluids; surfactant contributes to the elastic properties of pulmonary tissue, preventing the alveoli from collapsing.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10700
Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2016
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