Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the respiratory mucosa in the conducting portion of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It traps foreign particles and moistens incoming air.

Question 2

A patient with emphysema is likely to experience which of the following changes in pulmonary function?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance and decreased efficiency of expiration.

Question 3

Which equation represents the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid in erythrocytes?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3}$

Question 4

During inhalation, which of the following occurs in the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

The volume increases and pressure decreases.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 6

Boyle’s Law states that the pressure of a gas varies inversely with its volume. Which equation best represents this relationship?

Accepted Answer

$P 	imes V = k$

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Sound production

Question 8

Which type of epithelium lines the exchange surfaces of alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous epithelium

Question 9

A newborn with insufficient surfactant production is at risk for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Collapse of alveoli due to increased surface tension

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of alveolar macrophages?

Accepted Answer

They engulf small particles and pathogens that reach the alveoli.

Question 11

Which respiratory center in the brain determines the base respiratory rate and controls the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Ventral respiratory group (VRG)

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that inhaled air passes through from the nares to the alveolar sacs?

Accepted Answer

Nares → Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Primary bronchi → Secondary bronchi → Tertiary bronchi → Bronchioles → Terminal bronchioles → Respiratory bronchioles → Alveolar ducts → Alveolar sacs

Question 13

Which of the following is a major function of the pleural fluid in the pleural cavities?

Accepted Answer

It lubricates and reduces friction between pleural membranes.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why airway resistance increases in obstructive lung diseases such as asthma?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production narrow the airways.

Question 15

Which process is responsible for the movement of oxygen from alveolar air into the blood?

Accepted Answer

Simple diffusion

Question 16

A patient with hypercapnia will likely experience which of the following changes in blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis ($\mathrm{pH < 7.35}$)

Question 17

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which most carbon dioxide is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions ($\mathrm{HCO_3^-}$)

Question 18

Which physical factor is most directly affected by surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar surface tension

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing airway diameter on airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Airway resistance decreases.

Question 20

Which respiratory process is primarily passive and relies on elastic recoil of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Exhalation during quiet breathing

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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