Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory mucosa lining most of the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

To trap inhaled particles and destroy bacteria with lysozyme

Question 2

A patient presents with frequent nosebleeds originating from the lower nasal septum. Which structure is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Erectile tissue of the inferior concha

Question 3

During quiet inspiration, which muscles are primarily responsible for expanding the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostals

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It is wider and more vertical

Question 5

A tracheostomy tube is inserted into a patient. What is a critical consideration for air entering through this tube?

Accepted Answer

The air must be filtered and humidified

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the pleural fluid in the pleural cavity?

Accepted Answer

It creates a pressure gradient that assists lung inflation

Question 7

Which cell type in the alveolus is primarily responsible for producing surfactant to reduce surface tension?

Accepted Answer

Type II great alveolar cell

Question 8

A patient with damage to the medulla oblongata would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired unconscious breathing

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the flow of air during pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Air moves in and out of the lungs due to pressure differences between the lungs and the outside body

Question 10

Which of the following structures is responsible for preventing food and drink from entering the airway during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 11

A patient inhales a small particle that becomes lodged in the respiratory tract. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for moving this particle toward the pharynx to be swallowed?

Accepted Answer

Ciliary action of the respiratory epithelium

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the left lung is narrower than the right lung?

Accepted Answer

The heart displaces the left lung

Question 13

Which region of the pharynx receives only air and contains the pharyngeal tonsil?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharynx

Question 14

During forced expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal and internal intercostal muscles

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the nasal conchae?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for warming, moistening, and filtering air

Question 16

A newborn can breathe and swallow at the same time because the larynx is positioned higher in the throat. What anatomical change occurs by age 2 that prevents this ability?

Accepted Answer

The tongue becomes more muscular and forces the larynx downward

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the mucociliary escalator in the trachea?

Accepted Answer

It sweeps debris-laden mucus toward the pharynx to be swallowed

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the pressure-volume relationship during inspiration (Boyle’s Law)?

Accepted Answer

$$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct function of the alveolar macrophages?

Accepted Answer

Engulfing dust and debris in the alveoli

Question 20

A patient with pleurisy is experiencing pain due to inflammation of which structure?

Accepted Answer

Pleural lining

Chapter 22: The Respiratory System – Structure and Function

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