<prompt> The principle component of surfactant that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and keeps them inflated and non-collapsed?Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholinePhosphatidylglycerolCarbohydrate componentLipopolysaccharide  <response>: Ans. a Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine; Ref. Ganong, Physiology, 21st ed., 657SURFACTANT-- produced by type II pneumocytes, Role--- Alveolar surface tension,- Compliance,- work of inspirationApproximate Composition Of Surfactant: ComponentComposition1.Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine622.Phosphatidylglycerol053.Other phospholipids104.Neutral lipids135Proteins086Carbohydrate02Note: Phosphatidylcholine appears in 24th week of intrauterine life. 