Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the nasal conchae in the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area to filter, warm, and moisten incoming air.

Question 2

A patient inhales a peanut, which becomes lodged in the right main bronchus. Which anatomical feature explains why this is more likely to occur on the right side?

Accepted Answer

The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents Boyle’s Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

During quiet inspiration, which sequence of events occurs?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm contracts, thoracic volume increases, intrapulmonary pressure drops, air flows into lungs.

Question 5

Which structure acts as a valve to prevent food from entering the lower respiratory passages during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 6

A patient with a punctured parietal pleura develops a pneumothorax. What happens to the transpulmonary pressure and the affected lung?

Accepted Answer

Transpulmonary pressure drops to zero and the lung collapses.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Alveolus

Question 8

Which equation correctly calculates the vital capacity (VC) of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 9

A person with obstructive pulmonary disease would most likely show which of the following changes in lung volumes?

Accepted Answer

Increased total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV)

Question 10

According to Dalton’s Law, what is the total pressure of a mixture of gases?

Accepted Answer

The sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas.

Question 11

Which of the following factors would increase the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the tissues?

Accepted Answer

Increased temperature, increased $$P_{CO_2$}$$, and decreased pH

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

Deoxygenated hemoglobin can carry more $$CO_2$$ than oxygenated hemoglobin.

Question 13

Which of the following is the primary stimulus for increased breathing rate during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Neural input from proprioceptors and motor cortex

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the pleural fluid?

Accepted Answer

It lubricates the pleural surfaces to allow friction-free movement during breathing.

Question 15

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide (CO). Which type of hypoxia is most likely to result?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxemic hypoxia

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the left lung is smaller than the right lung?

Accepted Answer

The position of the heart displaces the left lung, creating a cardiac notch.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating minute ventilation ($$V_E$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$V_E = TV 	imes f$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of surfactant secretion in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of alveolar surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse

Question 19

Which respiratory volume remains in the lungs after the most forceful expiration and is essential for keeping the alveoli open?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume (RV)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) in the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

It integrates input from peripheral stretch and chemoreceptors and communicates with the VRG.

The Respiratory System: Functional Anatomy and Physiology

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