A male infant born at 28 weeks gestation (birth weight 1100 g) presents with grunting, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, tachypnea (RR 80), and central cyanosis at 30 minutes of life. SpO₂ is 75% on room air. Chest radiograph shows bilateral, diffusely low lung volumes with fine reticulogranular ('ground glass') opacities throughout both lungs and prominent air bronchograms extending peripherally. The condition marked **A** in the diagram is suspected. Which of the following best describes the PRIMARY PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISM underlying this condition?
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