Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of pulmonary surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases surface tension, increasing lung compliance and preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 2

A premature infant is experiencing difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped Type II alveolar cells. What is the most likely physiological cause?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient surfactant production resulting in high surface tension and low lung compliance.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

$$ Lung\ compliance = \dfrac{\Delta V}{\Delta (P_{alv} - P_{ip})} $$

Question 4

Which of the following would most likely decrease lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Increased elasticity of lung tissue.

Question 5

A patient with restrictive pulmonary disease (RPD) is likely to have which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty inspiring due to decreased lung compliance.

Question 6

Which of the following factors would increase airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction due to parasympathetic stimulation.

Question 7

What is the correct formula for airflow in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

$$ Flow = \dfrac{P_{atm} - P_{alv}}{R} $$

Question 8

During an asthma attack, which of the following physiological changes occurs?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction due to histamine release and smooth muscle contraction.

Question 9

Which of the following is a passive force that affects airway resistance during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Increase in transpulmonary pressure causing airways to expand.

Question 10

Which statement best explains why surfactant is especially important in small alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Small alveoli have higher surface tension, so surfactant reduces this tension and prevents collapse.

Question 11

Which of the following would most likely occur if the radius of a bronchiole decreases due to smooth muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Airway resistance increases and airflow decreases.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of extrinsic control of bronchiole radius?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation causing bronchoconstriction.

Question 13

A patient with chronic bronchitis is likely to experience which of the following changes in airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance due to inflammation and thickening of airway walls.

Question 14

Which of the following would most likely result in bronchodilation?

Accepted Answer

Increase in CO$$_2$$ concentration in the airways.

Question 15

Which of the following treatments is most appropriate for an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Administration of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why overall resistance in the airways is generally low?

Accepted Answer

The large total cross-sectional area of smaller airways in the conduction zone.

Question 17

Which of the following is a consequence of increased surface tension in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lung compliance and increased risk of alveolar collapse.

Question 18

Which of the following pathological states is characterized by chronically increased airway resistance due to loss of tractive elasticity and increased likelihood of small airways collapsing?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema

Question 19

During expiration, which passive force contributes to increased airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Tissues no longer pulled away from airways, leading to airway compression.

Question 20

Which of the following is a common misconception about the role of surfactant in pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Surfactant increases surface tension, making inspiration more difficult.

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation: Lung Compliance and Airway Resistance

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