Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To supply the body with oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a process involved in respiration?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Question 4

A patient has damage to the pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lining their trachea. Which function would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Filtering and moving inhaled particles out of the airway

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly relates pressure, volume, and temperature in the lungs during ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$$P = nRT/V$$

Question 6

Which cell type in the alveoli is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Type I alveolar cells

Question 7

During forced expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the pleural cavity?

Accepted Answer

It is the space between the ribs and lungs, allowing smooth lung movement

Question 9

A patient with a lesion in the medullary rhythmicity center would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Irregular or absent automatic breathing rhythm

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the conducting zone of the respiratory system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It filters, humidifies, and warms incoming air

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic stimulation causes airway dilation?

Accepted Answer

It relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchial walls

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of Type II alveolar cells?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of surfactant to reduce surface tension

Question 13

A person inhales deeply, increasing the volume of their thoracic cavity. According to the ideal gas law, what happens to the pressure in their lungs?

Accepted Answer

It decreases

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the negative feedback regulation of breathing in response to increased arterial $$pCO_2$$?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$pCO_2$$ stimulates receptors, increasing breathing rate to lower $$pCO_2$$

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the blood supply to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood to the heart

Question 16

Which of the following structures is part of the respiratory zone?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 17

A patient with a mutation in their ACE-2 receptors would most likely have altered susceptibility to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

SARS-CoV-2 infection

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the larynx?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the voice box and maintains an open airway

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct result of contraction of the diaphragm during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in lung pressure

Question 20

Which of the following is a unique function of the respiratory system not shared with the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Production of platelets from megakaryocytes

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions