Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the upper respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

It filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air, protecting the lower respiratory tract.

Question 2

Which structure prevents food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

A patient with cystic fibrosis has thick mucus that cannot be transported effectively. What is the most direct consequence of this defect?

Accepted Answer

Frequent respiratory infections due to impaired mucociliary escalator

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding Boyle's Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Pressure and volume are inversely proportional: as volume increases, pressure decreases.

Question 5

During inhalation, which of the following occurs in the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

The diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing thoracic volume.

Question 6

Which cell type in the alveoli is responsible for producing surfactant, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Pneumocyte type II; reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse

Question 7

A patient suffers a puncture wound to the chest, allowing air into the pleural cavity. What is the most likely immediate effect?

Accepted Answer

Collapse of the affected lung (atelectasis)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the mucociliary escalator?

Accepted Answer

A mechanism by which cilia move mucus and trapped debris toward the pharynx for removal

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of airflow through the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the right and left lungs is correct?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two lobes.

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct formula for Boyle's Law?

Accepted Answer

$$P = \frac{1}{V}$$

Question 12

Which structure is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems?

Accepted Answer

Pharynx

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the respiratory mucosa?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating gas exchange between air and blood

Question 14

During an asthma attack, which physiological change occurs in the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction due to smooth muscle contraction

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the blood air barrier in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of alveolar epithelium, fused basement membranes, and capillary endothelium.

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct effect of mouth breathing compared to nasal breathing?

Accepted Answer

Reduced humidification and warming of inhaled air

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the conducting portion of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

It extends from the nasal cavity to the larger bronchioles.

Question 18

Which of the following is the main function of the tracheal cartilages?

Accepted Answer

To prevent collapse and overexpansion of the trachea

Question 19

Which of the following statements about pulmonary lobules is correct?

Accepted Answer

Each terminal bronchiole supplies a single pulmonary lobule.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of alveolar macrophages?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytizing particles that could clog the alveoli

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions