Question 1

Which structure is responsible for preventing food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 2

A patient presents with a collapsed lung after a stab wound to the chest. Which type of pneumothorax is most likely, and what is the physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Open pneumothorax; pleural cavity pressure equals atmospheric pressure

Question 3

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs when the thoracic cavity volume increases during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the tissue lining the trachea?

Accepted Answer

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Question 5

A person forcibly exhales after a normal exhalation. Which respiratory volume is being measured?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents vital capacity (VC)?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 7

During a tension pneumothorax, what is the most dangerous physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Air is trapped in the pleural space, causing mediastinal shift and impaired venous return

Question 8

Which structure is NOT part of the lower respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Larynx

Question 9

What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange between air and blood

Question 10

A patient has a tidal volume of 500 mL, an inspiratory reserve volume of 3000 mL, and an expiratory reserve volume of 1200 mL. What is their vital capacity?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = 500 + 3000 + 1200 = 4700\ mL$$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the right and left lungs is correct?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes

Question 12

Which cartilage forms a complete ring around the airway and is located inferior to the thyroid cartilage?

Accepted Answer

Cricoid cartilage

Question 13

A patient with a 'sucking chest wound' is most likely experiencing which type of pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Open pneumothorax

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the cilia in the trachea?

Accepted Answer

They move mucus and trapped particles upward toward the pharynx

Question 15

If the diaphragm is unable to contract, what is the most immediate effect on pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Inspiration is severely impaired

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct application of Boyle’s Law to breathing?

Accepted Answer

During inspiration, lung volume increases and pressure decreases

Question 17

Which structure is directly responsible for sound production in the larynx?

Accepted Answer

Vocal fold (true vocal cord)

Question 18

A patient is unable to forcibly inhale after a normal inspiration. Which respiratory volume is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the simple squamous epithelium in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a thin barrier to facilitate rapid gas exchange

Question 20

A patient with a tension pneumothorax requires immediate intervention. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression to aspirate air from the pleural space

Respiratory System: Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide

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