Regulation of Liquid Secretion and Absorption by the Fetal and Neonatal Lung

Fetal Breathing Movements

“…During fetal life the future air spaces are filled with a particular liquid that is produced by the lung's epithelium [23]. However, much essential information is now known.…”

“…Without this underlying degree of expansion, the fetal lung is unable to grow and structurally mature [23]. This liquid plays a crucial role in fetal lung development.…”

“…This essentially unidirectional flux maintains a constant chemical environment within the developing air spaces, thus restricting the entry of potentially harmful substances in the amniotic fluid such as meconium during the late stages of pregnancy [23]. The secreted liquid is passively expelled into the trachea and into the oropharynx, where it is either swallowed or expelled into the amniotic cavity.…”