Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To exchange gases, providing oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from the body

Question 2

During inspiration, which of the following pressure relationships is necessary for air to move into the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{A} \u003c P_{B} ($$Alveolar pressure less than atmospheric pressure)

Question 3

Boyle’s Law is fundamental to understanding pulmonary ventilation. Which statement best summarizes Boyle’s Law as it applies to breathing?

Accepted Answer

At a constant temperature, the volume of a gas varies inversely with its pressure.

Question 4

A patient with a restrictive lung disease has a vital capacity (VC) of 2.5 L, an inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) of 1.5 L, and an expiratory reserve volume (ERV) of 0.7 L. What is their tidal volume (TV)?

Use the formula: $$VC = IRV + TV + ERV$$

Accepted Answer

$$TV = 0.3\ L ($$Calculation: $$2.5 = 1.5 + TV + 0.7 \Rightarrow TV = 2.5 - 1.5 - 0.7 = 0.3)$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the alveolar and capillary walls are extremely thin?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate rapid diffusion of gases between air and blood

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Converted to bicarbonate ions in plasma

Question 7

A person’s total lung capacity (TLC) is 6.0 L. If their tidal volume (TV) is 0.5 L, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) is 2.5 L, expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is 1.5 L, and residual volume (RV) is 1.5 L, what is their vital capacity (VC)?

Use the formula: $$VC = IRV + TV + ERV$$

Accepted Answer

$$VC = 4.5\ L$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$PCO_2$$ decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the pneumotaxic center in the pons?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits the apneustic center and inspiratory center to prevent overinflation of the lungs

Question 10

A patient is exposed to high altitude, where atmospheric pressure is significantly lower than at sea level. According to Dalton’s law, what happens to the partial pressure of oxygen ($$PO_2) in $$the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases because the total atmospheric pressure is lower

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $$PO_2$$ increases the loading of CO$$_2$$ onto hemoglobin

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the anatomical dead space in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It is the volume of air in the passageways that does not participate in gas exchange

Question 13

Which of the following mechanisms helps prevent overinflation of the lungs during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Hering-Breuer reflex

Question 14

A person’s forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV$$_1) is 2.0 L$$, and their vital capacity (VC) is 4.0 L. What percentage of their VC can they expire in the first second?

Use the formula: $$FEV_1$$\% = \frac{$$FEV_1$$}{VC} 	imes 100$$

Accepted Answer

$$FEV_1$$\% = 50\%$$

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why a decrease in blood pH stimulates an increase in ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Central chemoreceptors are stimulated by increased hydrogen ion concentration, increasing respiratory rate

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence of airflow through the respiratory tract during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Alveoli

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood by binding oxygen to its heme groups

Question 18

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a higher physiological dead space than normal. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Some alveoli are not participating in gas exchange

Question 19

Which of the following is the main integrator controlling the nerves that affect the inspiratory and expiratory muscles?

Accepted Answer

Medullary rhythmicity center

Physiology of the Respiratory System: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards