Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology

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

• Delivering oxygen to the body

• Removing carbon dioxide from the body

• Regulating blood pH

• Producing digestive enzymes

Answer explanation

The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and regulating blood pH. Producing digestive enzymes is a function of the digestive system, not the respiratory system.

What is the primary function of the nasal cavity in the respiratory system?

• Transporting oxygen to the lungs

• Producing sound for speech

• Filtering, warming, and moistening incoming air

• Exchanging gases in the alveoli

Answer explanation

The primary function of the nasal cavity is filtering, warming, and moistening incoming air, which prepares it for the lungs. This is essential for efficient gas exchange and protecting the respiratory system.

Which part of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for voice production?

• Trachea

• Larynx

• Pharynx

• Alveoli

Answer explanation

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is primarily responsible for voice production. It contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them.

What is NOT a function of the pleurae?

• oxygen exchange

• protection

• anchors lungs in thoracic cavity

Answer explanation

The pleurae are membranes surrounding the lungs that provide protection and help anchor the lungs in the thoracic cavity. However, they do not participate in oxygen exchange, which occurs in the alveoli of the lungs.

What is the name of the compound on red blood cells that carries oxygen?

• plasma

• platelets

• hemoglobin

• white blood cells

Answer explanation

The compound that carries oxygen in red blood cells is hemoglobin. It binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and transports them to tissues throughout the body, making it essential for respiration.

What structure contains the vocal cords?

• pharynx

• larynx

• nasal cavity

• sinuses

Answer explanation

The larynx, also known as the voice box, contains the vocal cords, which are essential for producing sound. The pharynx, nasal cavity, and sinuses do not contain the vocal cords.

What is the name of the piece of cartilage that blocks the larynx when we swallow food?

• epiglottis

• trachea

• bronchiole

• pharynx

Answer explanation

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway. This is crucial for protecting the respiratory tract while allowing food to pass into the esophagus.

Which of the following is NOT a key structure in the respiratory system?

• pharynx

• larynx

• diaphragm

• esophagus

Answer explanation

The esophagus is not part of the respiratory system; it is involved in the digestive system. The pharynx, larynx, and diaphragm are all key structures that play essential roles in breathing.

Given the following structures:
1. larynx
2. nasal cavity
3. pharynx
4. trachea
Which of the following is the correct order that air would flow during inhalation. 

• 1,2,3,4

• 2,3,1,4

• 2,1,3,4

• 4,2,3,1 

Answer explanation

During inhalation, air first enters the nasal cavity (2), then flows to the pharynx (3), passes through the larynx (1), and finally travels down the trachea (4). Thus, the correct order is 2,3,1,4.

What keeps your bronchi and bronchiole tubes open?

• cartilage rings

• ligament squares

• ciliated cells

• muscle

Answer explanation

Cartilage rings are C-shaped structures that provide support and keep the bronchi and bronchioles open, preventing them from collapsing during breathing. This is essential for maintaining airflow in the respiratory system.