Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a major function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood glucose

Question 2

During external respiration, which process occurs at the alveolar-capillary interface?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ between lungs and blood

Question 3

Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 4

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to have which of the following changes in lung volumes?

Accepted Answer

Increased residual volume ($RV$)

Question 5

Which equation correctly describes the relationship between pressure and volume in the lungs according to Boyle's Law?

Accepted Answer

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

Question 6

If a person ascends to 10,000 ft altitude, what happens to the partial pressure of oxygen ($pO_2$) in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases compared to sea level

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why $CO_2$ is transported more efficiently in blood than $O_2$?

Accepted Answer

$CO_2$ has a higher solubility coefficient in plasma than $O_2$

Question 8

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide (CO). What is the primary danger associated with CO poisoning?

Accepted Answer

CO binds to hemoglobin with much higher affinity than $O_2$, blocking $O_2$ transport

Question 9

Which of the following would most likely result in hypoxic hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

Low $O_2$ in the atmosphere, such as at high altitude

Question 10

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for most $CO_2$ transport in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Conversion to bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$)

Question 11

What is the effect of increased temperature on hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Decreased affinity, promoting $O_2$ release to tissues

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the Hering-Breuer reflex?

Accepted Answer

Prevents overinflation of the lungs by inhibiting inspiratory neurons

Question 13

A person is hyperventilating. What is the expected effect on blood $CO_2$ and pH?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $CO_2$ and increased pH (alkalosis)

Question 14

Which formula correctly calculates vital capacity ($VC$) in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$VC = IRV + TV + ERV$

Question 15

Which of the following is a consequence of smoking on the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of the mucociliary elevator, leading to increased risk of infection

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Low pH decreases hemoglobin's affinity for $O_2$, promoting $O_2$ release

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding fetal hemoglobin compared to adult hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for $O_2$ at all temperatures and pH levels

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct equation for the conversion of $CO_2$ to bicarbonate in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

$CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow HCO_3^- + H^+$

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely cause restrictive pulmonary disease?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the medullary respiratory center?

Accepted Answer

It determines the basal respiratory rhythm

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions