<prompt> In RDS which is damaged?Type 2 pneumocytesType 1 pneumocytesClara cellsClara cells  <response>: In ARDS, alveolar capillary endothelial cells type 1 pneumocytesalveolar epithelial cells are damagedinjured, leading to the loss of the normally tight alveolar barrier to fluid and macromolecules. As a result, oedema fluid rich in protein accumulates in the interstitial alveolar spaces. Condensed plasma proteins aggregate in the air spaces with cellular debris and dysfunctional pulmonary surfactant to form hyaline membrane whirls. 