Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between pulmonary ventilation and external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs (bulk flow), while external respiration is the exchange of gases between alveoli and blood (diffusion).

Question 2

During inhalation, which structure is directly responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying incoming air before it reaches the lower respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the radius of an airway is the most important factor controlling resistance to airflow?

Accepted Answer

Resistance is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the radius: $$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$}$$

Question 4

A patient with chronic bronchitis has increased mucous production in the airways. Which cell type is primarily responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Goblet cells

Question 5

Which of the following substances is most likely to constrict the airways?

Accepted Answer

Histamine

Question 6

What is the primary function of ciliated cells in the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Move mucous and trapped particles upward toward the pharynx

Question 7

Which region of the airway has the greatest effect on resistance to airflow?

Accepted Answer

Bronchioles

Question 8

If the diameter of a bronchus decreases by half, by what factor does the resistance to airflow increase?

Accepted Answer

16 times, according to $$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$}$$

Question 9

Which hormone is most likely to cause thickening and lengthening of the vocal folds during puberty, resulting in a deeper voice?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of cardiovascular transport in respiration?

Accepted Answer

Bulk flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood between the lungs and tissues

Question 11

Which of the following events or substances can dilate your airways?

Accepted Answer

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (e.g., albuterol)

Question 12

Which of the following factors can decrease mucous production in the airways?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration

Question 13

Which structure in the respiratory tract is least able to change its diameter due to its rigid cartilage rings?

Accepted Answer

Trachea

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the difference in design between the trachea and the bronchi?

Accepted Answer

Both have smooth muscle, but the trachea has C-shaped cartilage rings and the bronchi have plates of cartilage, allowing bronchi to change diameter more easily.

Question 15

Which of the following is most likely to inhibit or kill ciliated cells in the airways?

Accepted Answer

Vaping and cigarette smoke

Question 16

A person inhales through the nose. What is the correct order of airflow through the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the gradient that drives diffusion during external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Concentration gradient of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolar air and blood

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of vaping on lung structures and ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Damage to ciliated cells, increased mucous production, and impaired ventilation

Question 19

Which equation best represents the relationship between bulk flow ($$F$$), pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$), and resistance ($$R) in $$the airways?

Accepted Answer

$$F = \frac{\Delta P}{R}$$

Question 20

During an asthma attack, which physiological change most significantly increases airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Decreased airway radius due to smooth muscle constriction

Unit 3: 1: Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology Study Guide

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