**Core Concept**
The amniotic membrane is a thin, transparent, and highly vascularized tissue that plays a crucial role in fetal development and protection. It is composed of two layers: the inner epithelial layer and the outer mesothelial layer, which are separated by a basement membrane.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The amniotic membrane is characterized by its ability to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent scarring due to its high content of growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The membrane also contains a unique property known as "anti-fibrotic" activity, which prevents excessive scar tissue formation.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The amniotic membrane is not primarily composed of collagen. While it does contain some collagen, its main components are glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans.

**Option B:** The amniotic membrane is indeed highly vascularized, but this is not the correct option as the question asks for a characteristic that is "all except".

**Option C:** The amniotic membrane is not primarily responsible for the production of surfactant. Surfactant is produced by type II pneumocytes in the fetal lungs.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The amniotic membrane has been used as a biological dressing in ophthalmology to promote wound healing and reduce scarring in corneal ulcers.

**Correct Answer:** C.