The article presents modern data about structure and function of the pulmonary surfactant system in healthy people and in patients with bronchopulmonary diseases. Information about different types of preparations of surfactant for use as the replacement surfactant therapy to treat immature newborns with respiratory distress syndrome and adult patients with acute injury of the lung is presented in the article. Exogenous surfactant "Sucrim" and "Suzakrin" medicine made in Ukraine are discussed in the article.