Question 1

Which of the following best describes the functional difference between the conducting and respiratory portions of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

The conducting portion moves air to the lungs but does not participate in gas exchange, while the respiratory portion is where gas exchange occurs.

Question 2

A patient inhales a peanut, which becomes lodged in one of the primary bronchi. Based on the anatomy of the bronchi, in which bronchus is the peanut most likely to be found, and why?

Accepted Answer

Right bronchus, because it is wider and more vertical.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

$$P_{total} = P_1$ + P_2$ + P_3$ + \ldots$$

Question 4

A person with cystic fibrosis produces thick, sticky mucus in the conducting portion of the respiratory tract. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased airflow and increased risk of bacterial infection.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Type I pneumocyte

Question 6

During quiet inhalation, which muscles are primarily responsible for increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles

Question 7

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas if the volume of its container increases?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why surfactant is critical for normal lung function?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse.

Question 9

A patient with chronic bronchitis is likely to experience which of the following symptoms due to increased airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Frequent coughing and copious sputum production

Question 10

Which of the following statements about hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin releases more oxygen at higher temperatures.

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary way carbon dioxide is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions in plasma

Question 12

A patient is experiencing hypoxia. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Low tissue oxygen levels

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

They open into the nasal cavity and help clean and humidify incoming air.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

It prevents food from entering the larynx.

Question 16

A person at high altitude experiences an increase in respiratory rate over several days. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Acclimatization

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why exhaled air contains more oxygen than alveolar air?

Accepted Answer

Exhaled air is a mixture of alveolar air and air from the anatomic dead space.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating respiratory minute volume ($$V_E$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$V_E = f 	imes V_T$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of decreased lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Lungs expand less easily and airflow decreases.

Question 20

Which of the following brainstem structures is primarily responsible for generating the basic rhythm of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rhythmicity centers in the medulla oblongata

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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