Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory zone in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating gas exchange between air and blood

Question 2

During swallowing, which structure prevents food from entering the trachea?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents Boyle's Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$

Question 4

A patient with damage to their type II alveolar cells would most likely experience which of the following problems?

Accepted Answer

Increased surface tension leading to alveolar collapse

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the conducting zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It directs air to the lungs and conditions incoming air

Question 6

Which tissue change occurs as the bronchial tree branches from primary to tertiary bronchi?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in cartilage and increase in smooth muscle

Question 7

Which of the following structures is responsible for producing sound as air moves through the larynx?

Accepted Answer

Vocal folds (true vocal cords)

Question 8

A person inhales normally, taking in a tidal volume of 500 mL and breathes 12 times per minute. What is their minute volume?

Accepted Answer

$500 	imes 12 = 6000$ mL

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse

Question 10

Which region of the pharynx is involved in both respiratory and digestive functions?

Accepted Answer

Oropharynx

Question 11

If the right lung is punctured and collapses, which anatomical feature helps prevent the left lung from collapsing as well?

Accepted Answer

Separate pleural membranes for each lung

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nose in the conducting zone?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange with blood

Question 13

Which structure connects the laryngopharynx to the trachea and contains the 'Adam's apple'?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid cartilage

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of cartilage in the trachea?

Accepted Answer

C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage with open region facing the esophagus

Question 15

Which cells in the alveoli are primarily responsible for immune defense?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar macrophages

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the bronchopulmonary segments?

Accepted Answer

They are anatomical and functional units of the lungs, each supplied by its own tertiary bronchus

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It contains the cardiac notch to accommodate the heart

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct order of airflow from the trachea to the site of gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Trachea → primary bronchi → secondary bronchi → tertiary bronchi → respiratory bronchioles → alveolar ducts → alveolar sacs → alveoli

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the vestibular folds (false vocal cords) is correct?

Accepted Answer

They help hold breath against pressure in the thoracic cavity

Question 20

A patient is unable to adduct or abduct their vocal folds. Which function would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Ability to produce sound

Respiratory System: Structure and Function (Chapter 21) – Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions