Question 1

Which structure is responsible for producing surfactant in the alveoli, and what is the primary function of surfactant?

Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cells; to reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse

Question 2

A patient with a history of smoking presents with labored breathing, frequent infections, and a chronic productive cough. Which respiratory disorder is most likely, and what is a key physiological change seen in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Chronic bronchitis (COPD); thickened bronchial walls and increased mucus production

Question 3

During inspiration, which sequence of events correctly describes the changes in thoracic volume and pressures?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic volume increases, intrapulmonary pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, air flows into the lungs

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of vital capacity (VC) in pulmonary function testing?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 5

A climber rapidly ascends to an altitude above 8000 feet and experiences headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. What is the physiological basis for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Decreased atmospheric pressure leads to decreased alveolar $$P_{O_2$}$$, resulting in hypoxemia

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The conducting zone includes the trachea and bronchioles, while the respiratory zone includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The lungs will collapse due to loss of transpulmonary pressure

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary chemical factor that increases the rate and depth of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Increased arterial $$P_{CO_2$} ($$hypercapnia)

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with restrictive lung disease. Which of the following spirometry findings would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vital capacity (VC)

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why alveolar $$P_{O_2$} is $$lower than atmospheric $$P_{O_2$}$$?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar air is diluted by residual air and humidified, and oxygen diffuses into the blood

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating total lung capacity (TLC)?

Accepted Answer

$$TLC = TV + IRV + ERV + RV$$

Question 12

A diver ascends rapidly from deep water, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood. What is this condition called, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

The bends (decompression sickness); rapid decrease in pressure causes dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the medullary respiratory centers?

Accepted Answer

They generate the basic rhythm of breathing and integrate sensory input

Question 14

Which of the following is a common feature of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema in COPD?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible decrease in the ability to force air out of the lungs

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why a person with asthma experiences difficulty during an attack?

Accepted Answer

Active inflammation and bronchospasm narrow the airways, increasing resistance

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct formula for functional residual capacity (FRC)?

Accepted Answer

$$FRC = ERV + RV$$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of external respiration?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of O2 and CO2 across the respiratory membrane in the lungs

Question 18

A patient with cystic fibrosis has thick, viscous mucus in the airways. What is the underlying genetic defect?

Accepted Answer

Faulty CFTR gene affecting chloride ion transport

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of decreased lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Greater effort required to inflate the lungs

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of hyperventilation on blood gases?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $$P_{CO_2$} ($$hypocapnia) and possible cerebral vasoconstriction

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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