Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the upper respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Filter, warm, and humidify incoming air to protect the lower respiratory system and facilitate smell

Question 2

A patient presents with a build-up of CO2 in their blood, resulting in acidosis. Which equation best represents the chemical reaction responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 4

Boyle’s Law states that the pressure of a gas varies inversely with its volume. If the volume of the thoracic cavity increases during inhalation, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 5

Which type of epithelium lines the alveoli and is specialized for gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous epithelium

Question 6

During forced exhalation, which muscles are activated in addition to the diaphragm and external intercostals?

Accepted Answer

Accessory respiratory muscles

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of surfactant in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Facilitates gas exchange by increasing alveolar surface area

Question 8

A patient with restrictive lung disease is most likely to experience which of the following changes in lung volumes?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vital capacity

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the pathway of air from the nose to the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → primary bronchi → secondary bronchi → tertiary bronchi → bronchioles → terminal bronchioles → respiratory bronchioles → alveolar ducts → alveolar sacs

Question 10

Which cells are responsible for producing mucus that traps foreign particles in the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Goblet cells

Question 11

Which of the following is the main function of the respiratory portion of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange occurs

Question 12

Which of the following is a consequence of hypercapnia?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis ($$\mathrm{pH \u003c 7.35})$$

Question 13

Which structure contains C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage to maintain its patency?

Accepted Answer

Trachea

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which oxygen is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Bound to hemoglobin in erythrocytes

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the respiratory cycle?

Accepted Answer

Air flows in during inhalation when intrapulmonary pressure decreases

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the pleural fluid?

Accepted Answer

Lubricates and reduces friction between pleural layers

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG)

Question 19

A patient with asthma is experiencing bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production. Which type of lung disease is this?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive lung disease

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why surfactant is critical for newborns?

Accepted Answer

It reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse and allowing efficient gas exchange

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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