Question 1

Which of the following correctly lists the respiratory passageways in descending order, starting from the nasal cavity and ending at the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli

Question 2

A patient with chronic bronchitis is experiencing difficulty with gas exchange in the lungs. Which structural change is most likely contributing to this problem?

Accepted Answer

Loss of ciliated pseudostratified epithelium in the bronchi

Question 3

Which law explains why the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is the sum of the pressures exerted by each gas independently?

Accepted Answer

Dalton's Law

Question 4

During inspiration, which muscle contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Question 5

A person at high altitude experiences hyperventilation. What is the primary physiological reason for this response?

Accepted Answer

Decreased partial pressure of oxygen ($P_{O_2}$) in the atmosphere

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Reduces alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse

Question 7

A patient’s pulmonary function test shows a decreased vital capacity ($VC$). Which of the following could be a contributing factor?

Accepted Answer

Chronic inflammation and loss of elastic tissue in the lungs

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents Boyle’s Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

Question 9

If the partial pressure of oxygen in alveolar air is 100 mm Hg and in pulmonary capillary blood is 40 mm Hg, what is the direction of oxygen diffusion?

Accepted Answer

From alveolar air into pulmonary capillary blood

Question 10

Which of the following respiratory volumes is defined as the amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal tidal expiration?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory reserve volume ($ERV$)

Question 11

A patient with emphysema has a reduced ability to expel air from the lungs. Which respiratory volume is most likely to be increased in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume ($RV$)

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the transport of carbon dioxide in blood is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$) in plasma

Question 13

Which of the following factors will increase the rate of oxygen unloading from hemoglobin in systemic tissues?

Accepted Answer

Decreased pH (increased acidity)

Question 14

A patient is experiencing hypoventilation. What effect will this have on arterial $P_{CO_2}$ and blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Increase in $P_{CO_2}$ and decrease in pH (acidosis)

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why airway resistance is lower in the trachea than in the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

The trachea has a larger diameter than the bronchioles

Question 16

Which of the following is a protective mechanism of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Mucociliary escalator

Question 17

A patient with asthma experiences bronchoconstriction. Which effect does this have on airway resistance and airflow?

Accepted Answer

Increases airway resistance and decreases airflow

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the difference between atmospheric and alveolar air?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar air contains more carbon dioxide and less oxygen than atmospheric air

Question 19

Which respiratory volume is defined as the amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximal expiration?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume ($RV$)

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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