Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the blood.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly distinguishes between the conducting and respiratory zones of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

The conducting zone transports air to the respiratory zone, where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.

Question 3

A patient has a puncture wound to the chest that allows air to enter the pleural cavity. Which pressure relationship is disrupted, and what is the likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure equals atmospheric pressure, eliminating the vacuum that keeps the lungs inflated.

Question 4

According to Boyle's Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas in a closed container if the volume of the container is halved?

Accepted Answer

The pressure doubles.

Question 5

Which muscles are primarily responsible for inspiration during quiet breathing, and what is their effect on thoracic volume?

Accepted Answer

The diaphragm and external intercostals; they increase thoracic volume.

Question 6

A climber at high altitude is exposed to lower atmospheric pressure. Using Dalton's Law, what happens to the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases because the partial pressure of each gas is proportional to the total atmospheric pressure.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is so dangerous in terms of gas transport?

Accepted Answer

CO binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the relationship described by Boyle's Law?

Accepted Answer

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

Question 9

A patient with emphysema has damaged alveolar walls, reducing surface area for gas exchange. According to Fick's Law, how does this affect oxygen diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen diffusion decreases because surface area is reduced.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the medulla oblongata in respiration?

Accepted Answer

It contains the respiratory centers that generate the basic rhythm of breathing.

Question 11

During exercise, which factor most significantly increases the rate of oxygen unloading from hemoglobin to tissues?

Accepted Answer

Increased temperature and decreased pH (Bohr effect).

Question 12

Which of the following statements about alveolar and atmospheric air composition is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar air contains less oxygen and more carbon dioxide than atmospheric air.

Question 13

A person is hyperventilating. What effect does this have on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases due to excessive loss of carbon dioxide.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes Henry's Law as it applies to gas exchange in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

The amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to its partial pressure and solubility.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose concentration

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the role of carbon dioxide in controlling respiration?

Accepted Answer

High blood CO2 stimulates chemoreceptors, increasing respiratory rate to expel CO2.

Question 17

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased airway resistance. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased work of breathing and decreased airflow.

Question 18

Which of the following correctly defines tidal volume?

Accepted Answer

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

A thin barrier composed of alveolar and capillary walls where gas exchange occurs.

Question 20

A person with a mutation that thickens the respiratory membrane will experience which of the following effects, according to Fick's Law?

Accepted Answer

Decreased rate of gas diffusion due to increased diffusion distance.

Study Guide: The Respiratory System – Anatomy & Physiology

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