This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: All India exam, Subject name: Pathology
most impoant cell damage in pathogenesis of ARDS is 
Select and explain. 
A. alveolar cell type 1, B. alveolar cell type 2, C. endothelial cell of capillary, D. due to macrophages
C: endothelial cell of capillary
Answer: C: endothelial cell of capillary 
Explanation: RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS) * Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting into the blood. * Acute respiratory distress syndrome was first described in 1967 by Ashbaugh and colleagues. * ARDS is also referred with variety of terms like * Stiff Lung * Shock lung * Wet lung * Post traumatic lung * Adult respiratory distress syndrome * Adult hyaline membrane disease * Capillary leak syndrome & * Congestive atelectasis. ARDS - PATHOGENESIS Insult (direct or indirect) =>Activation of inflammatory cells & mediators =>Damage to alveolar capillary membrane =>Increased permeability of alveolar capillary membrane =>Influx of protein rich edema fluid and inflammatory cells into air spaces =>Dysfunction of surfactant ref : robbins 10th ed