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

$$Minute\ Volume = 500\ mL \times 12 = 6000\ mL$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate gas exchange between air and blood

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction due to smooth muscle contraction

Question 3

Which structure prevents food and water from entering the glottis during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 4

A patient with emphysema has a reduced surface area for gas exchange. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced oxygenation of blood and increased CO2 retention

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the calculation for Vital Capacity (VC)?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = IRV + TV + ERV$$

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

$$Minute\ Volume = 500\ mL 	imes 12 = 6000\ mL$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why oxygen concentration is lower in alveolar air compared to atmospheric air?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is absorbed by the blood and mixes with residual air in the alveoli

Question 8

Which of the following is the main factor controlling the rate of respiration under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide concentration in the blood

Question 9

A patient has the following lung volumes: $$TV = 500\ mL$$, $$IRV = 3000\ mL$$, $$ERV = 1100\ mL$$, $$RV = 1200\ mL. $$What is their Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?

Accepted Answer

$$TLC = TV + IRV + ERV + RV = 500 + 3000 + 1100 + 1200 = 5800\ mL$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It reduces surface tension, making alveoli easier to expand

Question 11

What would happen if the intrapleural pressure becomes equal to atmospheric pressure due to a chest injury?

Accepted Answer

The lung would collapse due to loss of negative pressure

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

Site of gas exchange

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why expiration is normally a passive process?

Accepted Answer

It relies on the elastic recoil of the lungs and thoracic wall

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the direction of gas movement during external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen diffuses from alveoli to blood; carbon dioxide diffuses from blood to alveoli

Question 15

A patient’s FEV1 is significantly reduced. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of low oxygen levels on arterioles in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

They constrict to shunt blood to better ventilated areas

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct formula for calculating Alveolar Ventilation ($$V_A$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$V_A = (Tidal\ Volume - Dead\ Space) 	imes Respiratory\ Rate$$

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the control of blood pH by the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO2 in the blood lowers pH

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the Type II pneumocytes in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of surfactant

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the pressure in the intrapleural space is always less than atmospheric pressure under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

To keep the lungs expanded against the thoracic wall

Chapter 22: The Respiratory System – Structure, Function, and Physiology

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