The document summarizes the development of the respiratory system from the formation of lung buds in a 4 week old embryo to the development of surfactant. Key events include the outgrowth of lung buds from the foregut mediated by retinoic acid, the separation of the trachea and esophagus by the tracheoesophageal septum, the formation and branching of the bronchi and expansion of the lungs, and the later development of surfactant important for premature infants. Abnormalities in partitioning like tracheoesophageal fistulas can occur.