Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To provide oxygen to the body, remove carbon dioxide, and help regulate blood pH.

Question 2

What is the main reason nose breathing is preferable to mouth breathing?

Accepted Answer

The nasal passages warm, humidify, and filter the air before it reaches the lungs.

Question 3

Which structure prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the rate of gas exchange in the alveoli

Question 5

Which of the following correctly lists the order of structures that air passes through from the nostrils to the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which main bronchus is more likely to have an inhaled object become lodged, and why?

Accepted Answer

The right bronchus, because it is wider and straighter than the left.

Question 7

What is the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

To decrease surface tension and make lung inflation easier

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

A thin barrier formed by alveolar and capillary walls where gas exchange occurs

Question 9

A patient with pleurisy is experiencing pain due to inflammation of which structure?

Accepted Answer

Pleural membranes

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the lungs is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of alveolar macrophages?

Accepted Answer

Ingesting and destroying pathogens in the alveoli

Question 12

A person inhales air through the nose. Which structure increases the turbulence of the air and helps trap particles?

Accepted Answer

Nasal conchae

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the respiratory system helps regulate blood pH?

Accepted Answer

By removing carbon dioxide, which can combine with water to form carbonic acid

Question 14

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the respiratory zone?

Accepted Answer

Trachea

Question 15

If the cilia in the trachea are damaged, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Mucus and trapped particles will accumulate in the respiratory tract, increasing infection risk.

Question 16

Which equation best represents the diffusion of gases across the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$O_2$$ moves from alveoli to blood, $$CO_2$$ moves from blood to alveoli: 
$$O_2 ($$alveoli) \rightarrow $$O_2 ($$blood)$$ 
CO_2$ (blood) \rightarrow CO_2$ (alveoli)$$

Question 17

A patient has a genetic defect resulting in a cleft palate. Which of the following problems is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty with breathing, speaking, and breastfeeding

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of elastic connective tissue in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Allows the lungs to recoil passively during exhalation

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about pulmonary arteries and veins?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lungs.

Question 20

A person is exposed to a chemical that destroys surfactant-secreting cells in the alveoli. What is the most likely physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased surface tension in the alveoli, making breathing more difficult

Study Notes: Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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