The following are the two statements regarding alveolar fluid:
(a) It contains a surfactant that reduces the tendency of alveoli to collapse.
(b) Surfactant in the alveolar fluid lowers the surface tension.
Of the above statements, which one of the following options is correct?

Options

A. (b) is correct but (a) is false
B. Both (a) and (b) are correct
C. (a) is correct but (b) is false
D. Both (a) and (b) are false

Answer

To solve the question regarding the statements about alveolar fluid, we can break down the information as follows:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Components of Alveolar Fluid**:
- Alveolar fluid is a liquid that lines the alveoli in the lungs. It plays a crucial role in gas exchange and maintaining the structure of the alveoli.

2. **Analyze Statement (a)**:
- The first statement claims that alveolar fluid contains a surfactant that reduces the tendency of alveoli to collapse.
- **Explanation**: Surfactant is a substance that decreases surface tension. In the lungs, it prevents the alveoli from collapsing by reducing the surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli. This statement is **true**.

3. **Analyze Statement (b)**:
- The second statement states that surfactant in the alveolar fluid lowers the surface tension.
- **Explanation**: This is also correct because the primary function of surfactant is to lower the surface tension in the alveoli, which helps keep them open and facilitates gas exchange. This statement is also **true**.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since both statements (a) and (b) are correct, the answer to the question is that both statements are true.

### Final Answer:
Both statements (a) and (b) regarding alveolar fluid are correct.

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