Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the conducting zone and the respiratory zone of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

The conducting zone transports, filters, and humidifies air, while the respiratory zone is where gas exchange occurs.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a major function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Production of red blood cells

Question 3

During inspiration, which of the following best describes the change in thoracic cavity volume and intrapulmonary pressure?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic cavity volume increases and intrapulmonary pressure decreases.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the reversible reaction for oxygen binding to hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Hb} + \mathrm{O}_2 \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HbO}_2$$

Question 5

A patient is experiencing hypoventilation. What is the most likely effect on their blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH will decrease due to increased CO$$_2.$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the path of air from the external environment to the alveoli during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which of the following equations represents the reversible reaction that converts carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{CO}_3$$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why airway resistance increases in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Bronchioles constrict, decreasing airway diameter and increasing resistance.

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of restrictive lung diseases?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lung compliance and reduced total lung capacity

Question 10

Which brainstem region is primarily responsible for setting the basic rhythm of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Medullary respiratory centers

Question 11

A patient with a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) has lost the negative pressure in the pleural cavity. What is the most immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

The lung recoils and collapses due to loss of suction effect.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased alveolar surface tension on pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

It decreases pulmonary compliance, making ventilation more difficult.

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding central and peripheral chemoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Central chemoreceptors respond primarily to changes in CO$$_2$$ and pH in cerebrospinal fluid, while peripheral chemoreceptors respond to changes in O$$_2$$, CO$$_2$$, and pH in blood.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

It is a thin barrier composed of alveolar and capillary walls that facilitates gas exchange.

Question 15

Which of the following respiratory volumes is defined as the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal quiet breathing?

Accepted Answer

Tidal volume

Question 16

If a person’s tidal volume is 500 mL and their respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute, what is their minute ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$$500\ \mathrm{mL} 	imes 12 = 6000\ \mathrm{mL/min}$$

Question 17

Which of the following cell types is responsible for producing surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cells

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why pulmonary compliance is reduced in pulmonary fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Excess fibrous tissue makes the lungs stiffer and less able to expand.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for the four respiratory processes?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary ventilation → pulmonary gas exchange → gas transport → tissue gas exchange

Chapter 21: The Respiratory System – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards