Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange: supplying O$_2$ to cells and removing CO$_2$ produced by cellular respiration

Question 2

Which process is responsible for moving air in and out of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary ventilation

Question 3

A patient with a blocked trachea would have impaired function in which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary ventilation

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT considered part of the upper respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Larynx

Question 5

During which process does O$_2$ move from the lungs into the blood, and CO$_2$ move from the blood into the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary gas exchange

Question 6

Which structure serves as a passageway for both air and food and is divided into three regions?

Accepted Answer

Pharynx

Question 7

A patient with inflammation of the nasal mucosa is most likely suffering from which condition?

Accepted Answer

Rhinitis

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It is wider, shorter, and more vertical

Question 9

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 10

If the intrapleural pressure ($P_{ip}$) becomes equal to the intrapulmonary pressure ($P_{pul}$), what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Lung collapse (atelectasis)

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Decreases surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse

Question 12

A premature infant is struggling to breathe and is diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). What is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient surfactant production

Question 13

Which of the following volumes represents the amount of air that remains in the lungs after a maximal exhalation?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume (RV)

Question 14

A patient with emphysema has a reduced alveolar surface area. What is the most direct effect on gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygen diffusion

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is correct?

Accepted Answer

A rightward shift enhances O$_2$ unloading at the tissues

Question 16

Which of the following equations represents the formation of bicarbonate from carbon dioxide in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + HCO_3^-$

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

The lower the O$_2$ saturation of hemoglobin, the more CO$_2$ can be carried in the blood

Question 18

A patient is experiencing hyperventilation due to anxiety. What is the most likely effect on blood CO$_2$ and pH?

Accepted Answer

Decreased CO$_2$, increased pH

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the ventral respiratory group (VRG) in the medulla?

Accepted Answer

Sets the basic rhythm of breathing by generating inspiratory and expiratory signals

Question 20

Which of the following would most likely trigger an increase in ventilation via central chemoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Increased arterial CO$_2$

The Respiratory System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions