Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Serving as the site of gas exchange between air and blood

Question 2

During inspiration, which sequence of events occurs in the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm contracts, thoracic cavity volume increases, intrapulmonary pressure drops

Question 3

Which equation represents the formation of bicarbonate ions from carbon dioxide in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 4

A patient with pneumonia has alveoli filled with fluid. What is the most direct consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Impaired gas exchange between air and blood

Question 5

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 6

What is the anatomical dead space in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

The volume of air that does not participate in gas exchange

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct formula for vital capacity (VC)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{VC = TV + IRV + ERV}$$

Question 8

What is the main effect of rapid, deep breathing on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Increase in blood pH (alkalosis)

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Serving as the primary site of gas exchange

Question 10

Which of the following statements about hemoglobin is correct?

Accepted Answer

Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four O2 molecules

Question 11

A person with a functional residual capacity (FRC) of 2.5 L and a tidal volume (TV) of 0.5 L inhales maximally. What is their inspiratory capacity (IC)?

Accepted Answer

3.0 L

Question 12

Which of the following is the largest contributor to CO2 transport in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Transported as bicarbonate ions ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}) in $$plasma

Question 13

What is the effect of smoking on the cleansing activity of cilia in the bronchi and bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Cilia are damaged, leading to decreased removal of mucus and debris

Question 14

Which respiratory volume is measured during normal, quiet breathing?

Accepted Answer

Tidal volume (TV)

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the left lung is smaller than the right lung?

Accepted Answer

The left lung has a cardiac notch to accommodate the heart

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of impaired carbonic anhydrase activity in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Reduced conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate, leading to respiratory acidosis

Question 17

A patient is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Which of the following is a hallmark of this disease?

Accepted Answer

Lung infection with scarring

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system in blood?

Accepted Answer

It resists changes in blood pH by buffering excess H+ ions

Question 19

Which of the following is a nonrespiratory air movement that results from a reflex action?

Accepted Answer

Cough

Question 20

A person with a tidal volume (TV) of 0.5 L, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) of 2.5 L, and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) of 1.0 L has a vital capacity (VC) of:

Accepted Answer

4.0 L

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Gas Exchange

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