Question 1

Which law explains why the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is the sum of the pressures exerted independently by each gas in the mixture?

Accepted Answer

Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures

Question 2

During quiet inspiration, which muscle is primarily responsible for increasing the thoracic cavity volume?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Question 3

According to Boyle's Law, if the volume of a gas decreases at constant temperature, what happens to its pressure?

Accepted Answer

Pressure increases

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It prevents alveolar collapse by decreasing surface tension

Question 5

A patient with chronic bronchitis has decreased lung compliance. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

More energy is needed to breathe

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

If the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is 104 mm Hg and in the pulmonary capillaries is 40 mm Hg, in which direction will oxygen diffuse?

Accepted Answer

From alveoli to capillaries

Question 8

Which of the following factors would most likely increase airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of bronchioles

Question 9

A person is experiencing an asthma attack. Which physical factor is most directly responsible for the difficulty in breathing?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why healthy lungs have efficient gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

The respiratory membrane is thin and the surface area is large

Question 11

During forced expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Question 12

Which of the following statements about dead space is correct?

Accepted Answer

Total dead space is the sum of anatomic and alveolar dead space

Question 13

According to Henry's Law, what determines the amount of a gas that will dissolve in a liquid?

Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of the gas and its solubility

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct result of increased pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased alveolar partial pressure of carbon dioxide

Question 15

What is the primary function of alveolar macrophages?

Accepted Answer

Remove debris and pathogens from alveolar surfaces

Question 16

Which of the following equations represents Boyle's Law?

Accepted Answer

$$P_1$$ $$V_1$$ = $$P_2$$ $$V_2$$

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely decrease lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Chronic fibrosis of the lung

Question 18

If a patient has a respiratory membrane thickness of 3.0 μm due to pulmonary edema, what is the most likely effect on gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange will be less efficient

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO$$_2$$ and decreased pH promote O$$_2$$ release from hemoglobin

Question 20

Which respiratory center in the medulla sets the basic rhythm of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Ventral respiratory group (VRG)

Study Guide: The Respiratory System (Anatomy & Physiology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions