Question 1

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the lower respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity

Question 2

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and aspiration of food into the airway. Which structure is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

Which type of cell in the alveolus is responsible for producing surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse?

Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cell

Question 4

During a forceful exhalation, which muscle is primarily responsible for decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the mucociliary escalator?

Accepted Answer

A mechanism where cilia move mucus and trapped debris upward toward the pharynx

Question 6

A stab wound just inferior to the clavicle on the right side could potentially damage which lobe of the lung?

Accepted Answer

Superior lobe of the right lung

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the pleural cavity?

Accepted Answer

It contains pleural fluid that reduces friction during breathing

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of airflow from the trachea to the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Trachea → Main bronchi → Lobar bronchi → Segmental bronchi → Bronchioles → Terminal bronchioles → Respiratory bronchioles → Alveolar ducts → Alveoli

Question 9

A patient with a tumor compressing the left main bronchus would most likely have reduced airflow to which lung lobes?

Accepted Answer

Superior and inferior lobes of the left lung

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the blood air barrier is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of type I and II alveolar cells, capillary endothelium, and a fused basement membrane

Question 11

Which cartilage forms the laryngeal prominence, commonly known as the Adam's apple?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid cartilage

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the right main bronchus is more likely to receive aspirated objects than the left?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following muscles is classified as a primary muscle of inhalation?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Question 14

A patient with a genetic defect in surfactant production is at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar collapse (atelectasis)

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood pH

Question 16

Which structure separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Hard and soft palate

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the vestibular folds?

Accepted Answer

They are inelastic folds that do not produce sound

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the branching of the bronchial tree?

Accepted Answer

Each segmental (tertiary) bronchus supplies a bronchopulmonary segment

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the alveoli are surrounded by elastic tissue?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the shape and position of each alveolus during inhalation and exhalation

Question 20

A patient with damage to the mucociliary escalator is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory infections due to impaired removal of debris

The Respiratory System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions