Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To supply oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide produced by cellular respiration

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for preventing food from entering the lower respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

A patient presents with a collapsed lung after a stab wound. Which pressure relationship has been disrupted, leading to atelectasis?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure equals atmospheric pressure

Question 4

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas if the volume of its container is doubled, assuming temperature is constant?

Accepted Answer

Pressure is halved

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A premature infant is diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). What is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient surfactant production

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the right main bronchus is more likely to receive an aspirated object than the left?

Accepted Answer

It is wider, shorter, and more vertical

Question 8

A patient with chronic bronchitis has increased airway resistance. According to the equation $$F = \Delta P / R$$, what happens to airflow (F) if resistance (R) increases and pressure difference ($$\Delta P) $$remains constant?

Accepted Answer

Airflow decreases

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Initiating the cough reflex

Question 10

A patient is exposed to high altitude. Which physiological response is expected during acclimatization?

Accepted Answer

Increased ventilation and increased erythropoietin production

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$CO_2$$ and decreased pH reduce hemoglobin’s affinity for $$O_2$$, enhancing oxygen unloading in tissues

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating vital capacity (VC)?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 13

A patient with emphysema has a reduced surface area for gas exchange. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygenation of blood

Question 14

Which of the following is the main way carbon dioxide is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions in plasma

Question 15

A person is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What is the expected effect on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases due to decreased $$CO_2$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why pulmonary arterioles constrict in response to low alveolar $$P_{O_2$}$$?

Accepted Answer

To decrease blood flow to poorly ventilated alveoli and redirect blood to better-ventilated areas

Question 17

Which of the following is a consequence of a loss of ciliary function in the trachea due to chronic smoking?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of mucus in the lungs, leading to 'smoker’s cough'

Question 18

A patient with obstructive pulmonary disease is likely to have which of the following spirometry findings?

Accepted Answer

Increased residual volume (RV)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

The lower the $$O_2$$ and hemoglobin saturation, the more $$CO_2$$ can be carried in the blood

Question 20

A patient with a genetic defect in the CFTR protein presents with thick mucus in the lungs and frequent infections. Which disease does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Study Guide: The Respiratory System (Chapter 22, Human Anatomy & Physiology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards