Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of Type II alveolar cells in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

They secrete surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing difficulty exhaling air from the lungs, resulting in air trapping and increased residual volume. Which of the following best explains the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive lung disease increases airway resistance, making expiration more difficult.

Question 3

During inspiration, which of the following changes occur in the thoracic cavity and lungs?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm contracts, thoracic volume increases, and intrapulmonary pressure decreases below atmospheric pressure.

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CO_2 + H_2O \xrightarrow{carbonic\ anhydrase} H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + HCO_3^-}$

Question 5

A person is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What effect does this have on blood pH and carbon dioxide levels?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases (alkalosis) and $\mathrm{CO_2}$ levels decrease (hypocapnia).

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

It covers the glottis to prevent food and water from entering the larynx and lungs.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood is correct?

Accepted Answer

About 98% of oxygen is transported bound to hemoglobin, while about 70% of carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ion ($\mathrm{HCO_3^-}$).

Question 8

A patient with a deficiency of intrinsic factor is likely to develop which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify lipids, increasing the surface area for pancreatic lipase to act.

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct order of the layers of the alimentary canal from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 11

A patient has a blockage at the major duodenal papilla. Which of the following digestive processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Delivery of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the large intestine lacks villi and microvilli?

Accepted Answer

Its primary function is water and electrolyte absorption, not nutrient absorption.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between segmentation and peristalsis in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Segmentation mixes chyme by churning, while peristalsis propels chyme forward.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the hepatic portal vein?

Accepted Answer

It carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for processing.

Question 15

A patient with a mutation that prevents the production of surfactant would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased alveolar surface tension leading to alveolar collapse (atelectasis)

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the right primary bronchus is more likely to receive an aspirated object than the left?

Accepted Answer

The right bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the myenteric plexus in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

It controls peristalsis and motility of the muscularis externa.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of deglutition?

Accepted Answer

It is the process of swallowing, moving a bolus from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the function of the brush border enzymes in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They break down disaccharides and peptides into absorbable monomers.

Question 20

A patient with a gallstone blocking the cystic duct would most likely experience which of the following symptoms after eating a fatty meal?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty digesting and absorbing fats due to lack of bile release into the duodenum.

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide: The Respiratory and Digestive Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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