Question 1

Which of the following best describes the functional difference between the conducting zone and the respiratory zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

The conducting zone transports, warms, and filters air but does not participate in gas exchange, while the respiratory zone is where gas exchange actually occurs.

Question 2

A patient suffers a stab wound that punctures the parietal pleura but not the visceral pleura. Which of the following is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

The lung will collapse due to loss of negative pressure in the pleural cavity.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases, causing air to enter the lungs.

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents Dalton’s Law for the total pressure of a gas mixture?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{total} = P_{O_2$} + P_{CO_2$} + P_{N_2$} + P_{H_2O}$$

Question 5

A climber at high altitude is exposed to lower atmospheric pressure. According to Henry’s Law, what will happen to the amount of oxygen dissolved in their blood?

Accepted Answer

It will decrease due to lower partial pressure of oxygen.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The left lung is compressed by the presence of the heart in the cardiac notch.

Question 7

A patient with chronic bronchitis experiences increased airway resistance. Which of the following best explains the physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Airflow decreases due to increased friction in the airways.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the Bohr effect is correct?

Accepted Answer

As $$P_{CO_2$}$$ increases, hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen decreases.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 10

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), which binds to hemoglobin more tightly than oxygen. What is the most likely effect on oxygen transport?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen transport decreases because CO prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Nares → Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Primary bronchi → Secondary bronchi → Tertiary bronchi → Bronchioles → Terminal bronchioles → Respiratory bronchioles → Alveolar ducts → Alveolar sacs

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

Fetal hemoglobin allows the fetus to extract oxygen from maternal blood more efficiently.

Question 13

A person is exercising vigorously. Which of the following changes would you expect in their tissues?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $$P_{O_2$}$$, increased $$P_{CO_2$}$$, decreased pH, and decreased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen.

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary muscle responsible for increasing thoracic volume during quiet inhalation?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the chloride shift in red blood cells during CO2 transport?

Accepted Answer

Chloride ions enter the RBCs as bicarbonate leaves in the tissues.

Question 16

A patient with restrictive lung disease has difficulty with which aspect of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Exhalation due to decreased lung compliance

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why air flows into the lungs during inhalation?

Accepted Answer

The pressure inside the lungs becomes lower than atmospheric pressure.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of increased surface area in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Increased rate of gas exchange

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of temperature on hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Higher temperature decreases hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen.

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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