How does alveolar surface tension affect pulmonary ventilation?

Alveolar surface tension is regulated by the spread of
pulmonary surfactants, a lipid and protein mix that keeps the surface tension of the
alveoli consistent across the lungs. Because oxygen transference is harder with high
surface tension (oxygen molecules cannot easily pass through a membrane with high
surface tension), the surfactants allow lower the surface tension to facilitate
transfer. Breathing expands the alveoli, spreading the surfactants across the membrane
and increasing surface tension; as the alveoli become larger, their ability to transfer
oxygen decreases. When the alveoli are contracted, the surfactants are concentrated and
so it is easier to transfer oxygen. In this manner, the alveolar surface tension is
directly related to pulmonary ventilation (respiration) because it regulates the speed
and consistency of alveolar oxygen transference.