Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 2

A patient has suffered damage to the ciliated mucosa lining the trachea. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to expel mucus and debris from the lungs

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the path of air from the external environment to the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Nose → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Lungs → Alveoli

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the formation of bicarbonate ions in the blood during carbon dioxide transport?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + HCO_3^-} $$

Question 5

A person with a tidal volume (TV) of 500 ml, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) of 3,100 ml, and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) of 1,200 ml has a vital capacity (VC) of:

Accepted Answer

$$ VC = TV + IRV + ERV = 500\ \mathrm{ml} + 3,100\ \mathrm{ml} + 1,200\ \mathrm{ml} = 4,800\ \mathrm{ml} $$

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nasal conchae?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the passage of food into the esophagus

Question 7

During inspiration, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

The diaphragm contracts and moves inferiorly, increasing thoracic volume

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the right main (primary) bronchus is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is wider, shorter, and straighter than the left main bronchus

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange between pulmonary blood and alveoli

Question 10

A patient is unable to produce surfactant in the alveoli. What is the most likely physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar collapse due to increased surface tension

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct equation for the formation of oxyhemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{Hb + O_2 \rightarrow HbO_2} $$

Question 12

Which region of the pharynx is a common passageway for both air and food?

Accepted Answer

Oropharynx

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why residual volume is important for lung function?

Accepted Answer

It allows gas exchange to continue between breaths and keeps alveoli open

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which oxygen is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Bound to hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin

Question 15

Which of the following is a nonrespiratory air movement that serves to clear the lower respiratory passageways?

Accepted Answer

Cough

Question 16

A person is exercising vigorously. Which of the following factors is most likely to increase their respiratory rate and depth?

Accepted Answer

Increased body temperature

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the movement of gases during internal respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen diffuses from blood into tissues; carbon dioxide diffuses from tissues into blood

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct order of the bronchial tree divisions from largest to smallest?

Accepted Answer

Primary bronchi → Secondary bronchi → Tertiary bronchi → Bronchioles → Terminal bronchioles

Study Guide: The Respiratory System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards