Question 1

Which of the following structures is the last part of the conducting zone before air enters the respiratory zone?

Accepted Answer

Terminal bronchiole

Question 2

A patient with chronic bronchitis is likely to experience which of the following changes in their bronchial tree?

Accepted Answer

Permanent thickening of bronchial walls and increased mucus production

Question 3

Which cell type in the alveolus is primarily responsible for producing surfactant, and what is the main function of surfactant?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar type II cell; reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse

Question 4

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure inside the lungs when the thoracic cavity volume increases during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

A thin barrier consisting of the alveolar type I cell membrane, fused basement membranes, and capillary endothelium

Question 6

If a knife punctures the parietal pleura, causing air to enter the pleural cavity, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The lung will immediately collapse due to loss of negative intrapleural pressure

Question 7

During quiet inspiration, which muscles are primarily responsible for increasing thoracic cavity volume?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostals

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents Boyle’s Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 9

A premature infant is diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). What is the underlying cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant by alveolar type II cells

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why air flows into the lungs during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Intrapulmonary pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, creating a pressure gradient

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood glucose

Question 12

What is the primary function of alveolar pores?

Accepted Answer

Provide collateral ventilation between alveoli

Question 13

Which of the following changes occurs during quiet expiration?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm relaxes, thoracic volume decreases, and intrapulmonary pressure increases

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere to the systemic cells?

Accepted Answer

Atmosphere → alveoli → pulmonary capillaries → systemic capillaries → systemic cells

Question 15

A patient with asthma experiences episodes of bronchoconstriction. Which of the following best explains the physiological mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles reduces airway diameter

Question 16

Which of the following statements about intrapleural pressure is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is always lower than intrapulmonary pressure to keep the lungs inflated

Question 17

During forced expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between pressure and volume in the lungs during breathing?

Accepted Answer

As lung volume increases, intrapulmonary pressure decreases

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during quiet inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm contracts → thoracic volume increases → intrapulmonary pressure decreases → air flows in

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of the elastic fibers found in the interalveolar septum?

Accepted Answer

Allow for expansion during inspiration and recoil during expiration

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Mechanics of Breathing 23-1

Study Guide - Practice Questions