A type II pneumocyte is a pneumocyte that modulates the fluid surrounding the alveolar epithelium by secreting and recycling surfactants. This cell type also contributes to tissue repair and can differentiate after injury into a type I pneumocyte. Thicker than squamous alveolar cells, have a rounded apical surface that projects above the level of surrounding epithelium. The free surface is covered by short microvilli. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8540632 http://www.copewithcytokines.de https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A0412046911 ]