Surfactant is a complex substance containing phospholipids and a number of apoproteins. This essential fluid is produced by the Type II alveolar cells, and lines the alveoli and smallest bronchioles. Surfactant reduces surface tension throughout the lung, thereby contributing to its general compliance. It is also important because it stabilizes the alveoli.
Stagnant anoxia occurs when there is interference with the blood flow, although the blood and its oxygen-carrying abilities are normal. A common cause of general stagnant anoxia is heart disease or interference with the return of blood flow through the veins.
In fact, the brain is only able to function for five to six minutes without oxygen before cell death begins to occur. Cell death results from cellular swelling and injury due to excitotoxicity (2). Such damage is sometimes called an Anoxic Brain Injury (ABI) (3). Hypoxia can result from both chronic and acute conditions; however, acute oxygen deprivation is more likely to result in more serious damage and more permanent consequences than in a chronic condition (2).