Question 1

Which of the following best describes the change in the wall structure from the primary bronchus to the tertiary (segmental) bronchus?

Accepted Answer

The amount of cartilage decreases and the amount of smooth muscle increases.

Question 2

A patient is given a beta-blocker medication. What effect would this have on the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

It would cause constriction of the bronchioles, increasing airway resistance.

Question 3

Which tissue type is found lining the alveoli of the lungs, facilitating gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous epithelium

Question 4

Which of the following correctly lists the structures that oxygen must pass through during gas exchange in the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous cell of the alveolus $$\rightarrow$$ alveolar basement membrane $$\rightarrow$$ capillary basement membrane $$\rightarrow$$ simple squamous cell of the capillary

Question 5

What is the primary function of alveolar macrophages in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

To remove debris and pathogens from the alveolar spaces

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

It causes bronchodilation, decreasing airway resistance.

Question 7

A person is experiencing an asthma attack. Which part of the bronchiole wall is most directly involved in the pathogenesis of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the respiratory zone of the lung is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where actual gas exchange occurs.

Question 9

What is the significance of elastic fibers surrounding the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

They allow the alveoli to stretch during inhalation and recoil during exhalation.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the conducting zone (dead air space) of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It is the region that conducts air to the respiratory zone but does not participate in gas exchange.

Question 11

A patient with chronic bronchoconstriction is likely to experience which of the following changes in airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

An increase in airway resistance due to decreased bronchiole diameter

Question 12

Which cell type in the alveolus is responsible for producing surfactant?

Accepted Answer

Type II pneumocyte (septal cell)

Question 13

If the thickness of the respiratory membrane increases from $$0.5\ \mu m to$$ $$2\ \mu m$$, what is the most likely effect on gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange will decrease due to increased diffusion distance.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the bronchiole is more similar to an arteriole than to a bronchus?

Accepted Answer

Both have walls dominated by smooth muscle, allowing regulation of diameter and resistance.

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely occur if the parasympathetic nervous system is activated in the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction, leading to increased airway resistance

Question 16

A patient undergoes surgical removal of a bronchopulmonary segment. Which bronchus is most directly associated with this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary (segmental) bronchus

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a component of the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage plate

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of type I pneumocytes in the alveolus?

Accepted Answer

They form the thin barrier for gas exchange.

Question 19

If a person inhales a foreign particle, which cell type is primarily responsible for removing it from the alveolar space?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar macrophage

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the respiratory membrane has a large surface area (about $$70\ m^2$)?

Accepted Answer

To maximize the rate of gas exchange between air and blood

The Respiratory System: Bronchial Tree, Alveoli, and Gas Exchange

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