Question 1

Which of the following structures is the primary site for gas exchange between the blood and the external environment in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 2

A patient is experiencing difficulty with speech and has a hoarse voice. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Larynx

Question 3

During inspiration, which of the following occurs as a result of diaphragm contraction?

Accepted Answer

Air flows into the lungs until intrapulmonary pressure equals atmospheric pressure

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of vital capacity (VC) in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 5

A person inhales deeply and forcibly exhales as much air as possible. Which volumes are involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the right main bronchus is more likely to be the site of inhaled foreign objects?

Accepted Answer

It is wider, shorter, and straighter than the left

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the pleural membranes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Pleural fluid decreases friction during breathing

Question 8

A patient with chronic bronchitis is often referred to as a 'blue bloater.' Which physiological change is primarily responsible for this nickname?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Decreases surface tension to keep alveoli open

Question 10

Most carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in which form?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ion ($$HCO_3$$^-$$) in plasma

Question 11

Which of the following is the most important chemical stimulus for increasing the rate and depth of breathing under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood

Question 12

A newborn is born prematurely at 28 weeks and has difficulty inflating the lungs. Which of the following best explains this problem?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient surfactant production

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the movement of gases during external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen diffuses from alveoli to blood; carbon dioxide diffuses from blood to alveoli

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why intrapleural pressure must remain negative relative to intrapulmonary pressure?

Accepted Answer

To prevent lung collapse

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases due to excessive loss of CO$$_2$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the medulla oblongata in respiration?

Accepted Answer

It sets the basic rhythm of breathing

Question 17

A person with emphysema has difficulty exhaling and uses a large amount of energy to breathe. Which of the following best explains this?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the nasal conchae?

Accepted Answer

Increase surface area and trap inhaled particles

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process by which oxygen is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Most oxygen is attached to hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin ($$HbO_2)$$

Question 20

A patient with a history of smoking presents with a persistent cough and frequent pulmonary infections. Which respiratory disorder is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chapter 13 - Respiratory System

Study Guide - Practice Questions