Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the nasal conchae in the upper respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area of the nasal cavity to enhance air filtration, warming, and humidification.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure ($$P_{ip}) $$has become equal to atmospheric pressure ($$P_{atm}).$$

Question 3

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs if the volume of the thoracic cavity increases during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases, causing air to flow into the lungs.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

$$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 5

A patient with chronic bronchitis is likely to have which of the following changes in lung volumes?

Accepted Answer

Increased residual volume ($$RV) $$due to air trapping.

Question 6

Which structure prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why alveolar air contains more $$CO_2$$ and less $$O_2$$ than atmospheric air?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange, humidification, and mixing of new and old air in the alveoli.

Question 8

A person at high altitude experiences increased ventilation and lower hemoglobin saturation. Which physiological process explains this acclimatization?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral chemoreceptors stimulate increased breathing due to low $$P_{O_2$}.$$

Question 9

Which of the following is the main factor that determines the direction of gas movement during external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Partial pressure gradients of $$O_2$$ and $$CO_2$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$CO_2$$ and H$$^+ in $$tissues decrease hemoglobin’s affinity for $$O_2$$, enhancing oxygen unloading.

Question 11

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide ($$CO). $$Which of the following best explains why $$CO$$ poisoning is so dangerous?

Accepted Answer

$$CO$$ binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than $$O_2$$, preventing oxygen transport.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct calculation for vital capacity ($$VC$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 13

Which of the following is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 14

A patient with restrictive lung disease would most likely show which pattern on spirometry?

Accepted Answer

Decreased total lung capacity ($$TLC) $$and vital capacity ($$VC)$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct result of stimulation of the ventral respiratory group (VRG) in the medulla?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why rapid, shallow breathing can decrease alveolar ventilation rate (AVR)?

Accepted Answer

A greater proportion of each breath remains in the anatomical dead space.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating alveolar ventilation rate (AVR)?

Accepted Answer

$$AVR = (TV - dead\ space) 	imes frequency$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a protective mechanism of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Cilia in the trachea move mucus and trapped particles upward toward the pharynx.

The Respiratory System: Functional Anatomy and Physiology

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