Question 1

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the upper respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Trachea

Question 2

What is the primary function of the nasal conchae during inhalation?

Accepted Answer

To filter, heat, and moisten incoming air

Question 3

Which type of epithelium lines most of the nasal cavity (excluding the vestibule) and is responsible for moving mucus posteriorly?

Accepted Answer

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Question 4

During swallowing, which structure closes off the nasopharynx to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

Uvula

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the trachea is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It contains C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings to keep the airway open

Question 6

Which cell type in the alveoli is responsible for producing surfactant to reduce surface tension?

Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cells

Question 7

A patient with asthma experiences bronchoconstriction due to contraction of smooth muscle in which part of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Bronchioles

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between pressure and volume during inspiration, according to Boyle's Law?

Accepted Answer

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

They warm and moisten inhaled air

Question 10

Which structure marks the division between the upper and lower respiratory tracts?

Accepted Answer

Larynx

Question 11

What is the main function of the pleural fluid in the pleural cavity?

Accepted Answer

To reduce friction between the visceral and parietal pleura during breathing

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the change in epithelial lining from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar to simple cuboidal

Question 13

Which nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 14

A patient with a pneumothorax has air in which anatomical space?

Accepted Answer

Pleural cavity

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the right lung compared to the left lung?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes

Question 16

Which structure is responsible for the cough reflex when irritated?

Accepted Answer

Carina

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the alveoli are highly effective for gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

They have a large surface area and a thin respiratory membrane

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in airflow due to emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Question 19

Which part of the brain contains the pacemaker neurons that regulate ventilatory rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 20

Which physiological change occurs in the bronchioles during sympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

The Respiratory System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions