Respiratory System Practice Quiz

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

• To filter and warm incoming air only

• To facilitate gas exchange between the environment and body

• To control breathing rate during exercise

• To produce red blood cells for oxygen transport

Which sequence correctly represents the pathway of air through the respiratory tract?

• Pharynx → nasal cavity → larynx → trachea → bronchi

• Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi

• Nasal cavity → larynx → pharynx → bronchi → trachea

• Larynx → pharynx → trachea → bronchi → nasal cavity

During inhalation, which of the following occurs?

• The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward

• Air pressure inside the lungs increases

• The ribcage moves downward and inward

• The diaphragm contracts and moves downward

Which structural feature of the lungs allows for efficient gas exchange?

• Thick alveolar walls

• Limited blood supply to conserve energy

• Millions of alveoli providing large surface area

• Dry surfaces to prevent fluid buildup

What is the definition of tidal volume?

• The amount of air remaining after full exhalation

• The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled

• The amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath

• The total capacity of the lungs

How is minute ventilation (VE) calculated?

• Tidal volume divided by breathing frequency

• Breathing frequency minus tidal volume

• Tidal volume times breathing frequency

• Total lung capacity times breathing rate

What happens to lung function during exercise?

• Lung volume can be significantly increased through training

• Respiratory muscles can be trained to move air more efficiently

• Total lung capacity decreases with exercise

• Residual volume increases during physical activity

Which statement about gas exchange is correct?

• Oxygen moves from low to high pressure

• Carbon dioxide moves from high to low pressure in the alveoli

• Pressure gradients are not involved in gas exchange

• Gas exchange occurs primarily in the bronchi

During intense exercise, which muscles assist with breathing during intense exercise?

• Only the diaphragm

• Shoulder and abdominal muscles

• Smooth muscles of the airways only

• Intercostal muscles only

What drives the process of gas exchange in the lungs?

• Active transport across cell membranes

• The cardiac output of the heart

• Partial pressure differences between gases

• Muscle contractions in the airways