Question 1

A patient presents with a persistent cough and recurrent lung infections. Genetic testing reveals a mutation in the CFTR gene. Which of the following best explains how this mutation affects the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It causes thick, sticky mucus to accumulate in the airways, impairing ciliary function and leading to frequent infections.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

It closes over the glottis to prevent food from entering the larynx and trachea.

Question 3

A person suffers a stab wound that punctures the pleural cavity, causing a pneumothorax. What is the immediate effect on lung function?

Accepted Answer

The affected lung collapses due to loss of negative intrapleural pressure.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

$$P_1$$ $$V_1$$ = $$P_2$$ $$V_2$$

Question 5

During inspiration, which muscles contract to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles

Question 6

A patient with pneumonia has fluid accumulation in the alveoli. How does this affect gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the surface area available for diffusion, leading to hypoxia.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the myenteric plexus in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates peristalsis and regulates muscular contractions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following best explains the physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

A blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery, reducing blood flow to lung tissue and impairing gas exchange.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct order of airflow through the respiratory tract during inhalation?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of bile in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

It emulsifies fats, increasing their surface area for enzymatic digestion.

Question 11

A patient with jaundice is found to have a blockage in the common bile duct. Which of the following symptoms would you expect to see?

Accepted Answer

Yellowing of the skin and sclera due to accumulation of bilirubin.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of carbonic anhydrase in parietal cells of the stomach?

Accepted Answer

It catalyzes the formation of carbonic acid from $$CO_2$$ and $$H_2O$$, providing $$H^+$$ ions for hydrochloric acid secretion.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the greater omentum is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a large fold of peritoneum that hangs from the stomach and covers the intestines, storing fat and containing immune cells.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why decompression sickness occurs in divers who ascend too quickly?

Accepted Answer

Dissolved nitrogen comes out of solution and forms bubbles in tissues and blood due to rapid decrease in pressure.

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the layers of the digestive tract from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa → submucosa → muscularis externa → serosa

Question 16

Which hormone is released by the stomach to stimulate appetite, and which hormone is released by adipose tissue to suppress appetite?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin stimulates appetite; leptin suppresses appetite.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes peristalsis in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Coordinated, wave-like contractions of smooth muscle that propel food along the tract.

Question 18

A patient with ascites has a large accumulation of fluid in which anatomical space?

Accepted Answer

Peritoneal cavity

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the circular folds (plicae circulares) in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct order of the regions of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Cecum → ascending colon → transverse colon → descending colon → sigmoid colon → rectum

Respiratory and Digestive Systems: Study Guide for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards