At what gestational week is pulmonary surfactant formed?

Pulmonary surfactant plays a crucial role in the respiratory system, particularly in the lungs of a developing fetus. It is primarily composed of phospholipids and proteins and is responsible for reducing surface tension within the alveoli, thereby preventing their collapse and allowing for proper gas exchange after birth.

Surfactant production typically begins around the 24th week of gestation. By this time, the type II alveolar cells in the lungs are sufficiently developed to start producing surfactant. The presence of sufficient amounts of surfactant is vital for the survival of premature infants, as inadequate surfactant can lead to respiratory distress syndrome.

Recognizing that surfactant formation begins at around 24 weeks aligns with established medical knowledge regarding fetal lung development and the critical windows for respiratory system maturation. This understanding highlights the importance of gestational age in assessing the readiness of a fetus for extrauterine life, as well as the interventions that may be necessary for premature infants born before this point.