Question 1

Which of the following is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange (pick-up $$O_2$$, eliminate $$CO_2)$$

Question 2

Which structure is NOT part of the upper respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Larynx

Question 3

What is the main site of gas exchange in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 4

Which of the following best describes Boyle's Law as it applies to ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Pressure and volume are inversely proportional ($$P \propto \frac{1}{V})$$

Question 5

During quiet inspiration, which muscles contract to increase the size of the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostals

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Sound resonance and weight reduction of the skull

Question 7

Which part of the bronchial tree is most likely to lodge an aspirated object?

Accepted Answer

Right primary bronchus

Question 8

What is the role of Type II alveolar cells?

Accepted Answer

Secrete alveolar fluid and surfactant to reduce surface tension

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the conducting zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It conditions, cleans, and conducts air from the nose to the terminal bronchioles

Question 10

Which structure prevents food and water from entering the lower respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 11

Which respiratory volume is defined as the amount of air forcibly exhaled after a normal tidal expiration?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

Question 12

During external respiration, which direction does $$O_2$$ diffuse?

Accepted Answer

$$O_2$$ diffuses from alveoli into blood

Question 13

Most $$CO_2 in $$the blood is transported in which form?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ion ($$HCO_3$$^-$$) in RBCs and plasma

Question 14

Which pleural layer is directly attached to the surface of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Visceral pleura

Question 15

Which region of the pharynx is a shared passageway for air, food, and water?

Accepted Answer

Laryngopharynx

Question 16

A patient with damage to the medulla oblongata may have difficulty with which aspect of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Setting the basic rate and rhythm of breathing

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents the formation of bicarbonate ion in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow $$HCO_3^- + H$$^+$$

Question 18

Which of the following changes occurs during forceful expiration?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about the right lung compared to the left lung?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes; the left has two

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of chemoreceptors in breathing?

Accepted Answer

They sense changes in $$CO_2$$ and pH in the CSF and oxygen concentration in the blood

Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions