Ready to challenge yourself with engaging questions for the respiratory system? Our free Respiratory System Quiz is designed for students, nursing hopefuls, and curious learners eager to master lung anatomy questions and test your grasp of nasorrhea and other key terms. This respiratory system test will guide you through detailed scenarios - from the nasopharynx's hidden tonsils to airflow pathways - so you can assess your strengths and pinpoint areas to review. Click through our respiratory system practice test or dive into our respiratory system anatomy quiz to sharpen your skills. Get started now and breathe new life into your studies!
Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs?
Pleura
Alveoli
Trachea
Bronchioles
The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between air and blood. They provide a large surface area and a thin barrier to facilitate efficient gas diffusion. Each alveolus is surrounded by a dense network of capillaries to allow rapid gas transfer into and out of the bloodstream. More info.
What is the main muscle responsible for respiration?
Internal intercostals
Diaphragm
External intercostals
Sternocleidomastoid
The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration and contracts to expand the thoracic cavity. When it flattens, intrathoracic pressure decreases and air flows into the lungs. Accessory muscles like the intercostals and sternocleidomastoid assist during deep or labored breathing. More info.
Which molecule carries oxygen in red blood cells?
Hemoglobin
Myoglobin
Globulin
Albumin
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues. Each hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules. Myoglobin is an oxygen-storage protein in muscle, not in blood. More info.
The windpipe is also known as:
Bronchi
Trachea
Larynx
Pharynx
The trachea is commonly called the windpipe and extends from the larynx to the bronchi. It allows air passage to the lungs and is reinforced by cartilaginous rings. The larynx sits above the trachea, and the bronchi branch off below it. More info.
What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?
20-30 breaths per minute
6-10 breaths per minute
30-45 breaths per minute
12-20 breaths per minute
A normal adult resting respiratory rate typically ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates below this may indicate hypoventilation, and higher rates could signify distress or fever. Measurement is done while the person is at rest and not aware of counting to avoid altering the rate. More info.
Which of the following prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
Uvula
Larynx
Epiglottis
Soft palate
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. When you swallow, the larynx elevates, and the epiglottis folds back over the tracheal opening. This mechanism protects the respiratory tract. More info.
What is inspiration?
The act of expelling air from the lungs
The act of drawing air into the lungs
Gas diffusion across alveoli
Closure of the glottis
Inspiration is the process of inhaling air into the lungs as the diaphragm contracts and the rib cage expands. This creates negative pressure in the thoracic cavity, drawing air through the airways. Expiration is the reverse process when air is expelled. More info.
What is the pleural cavity filled with?
Blood
Lymph
Serous fluid
Air
The pleural cavity contains a thin layer of serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces and reduces friction during breathing. This fluid allows smooth gliding of the visceral and parietal pleura. Excess or absence of pleural fluid can impair lung function. More info.
What term refers to the collapse of part or all of a lung?
Pneumothorax
Pleuritis
Atelectasis
Emphysema
Atelectasis is the collapse or closure of lung tissue, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It can result from airway obstruction, compression, or surfactant deficiency. Radiographically, it appears as increased opacity and volume loss in the affected area. More info.
The voice box is called:
Larynx
Pharynx
Bronchiole
Trachea
The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords and is located between the pharynx and trachea. It functions in voice production, airway protection, and breathing. Its structure includes cartilages, muscles, and membranes. More info.
What structure branches off from the trachea?
Alveoli
Bronchi
Larynx
Pharynx
The trachea divides at the carina into the right and left main bronchi, which enter the respective lungs. These bronchi further branch into lobar and segmental bronchi. This branching ensures distribution of air throughout the lung fields. More info.
What is the primary function of mucus in the respiratory tract?
Lubricate vocal cords
Trap particles and pathogens
Carry oxygen
Produce surfactant
Mucus produced by goblet cells and submucosal glands traps inhaled particles, dust, and pathogens. Cilia then move the mucus upward to the pharynx for clearance. This mucociliary escalator is a key defense mechanism in the airway. More info.
Which cartilage ring shape helps keep the trachea open?
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage
Fibrocartilage
C-shaped cartilage
The trachea is supported by C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage that maintain airway patency. The open part of the C faces posteriorly and allows the esophagus to expand during swallowing. This structure prevents collapse during pressure changes. More info.
What is tidal volume?
The maximum air exhaled after maximum inhalation
The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal respiration
The air remaining in lungs after maximum exhalation
The air forcibly inhaled after a normal inhalation
Tidal volume is the volume of air moved into or out of the lungs during normal, relaxed breathing. It typically measures about 500 mL in a healthy adult. It is one component of pulmonary function tests and influences alveolar ventilation. More info.
Which law states that pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional at constant temperature?
Boyle's Law
Charles's Law
Dalton's Law
Henry's Law
Boyle's Law describes how the pressure of a gas increases as its volume decreases, provided the temperature remains constant. It is fundamental to understanding mechanics of breathing, where lung volume changes lead to pressure shifts that drive airflow. More info.
The diffusion of gases across the alveolar membrane primarily depends on:
Vascular resistance
Cartilage rigidity
Mucous viscosity
Partial pressure gradients
Gas diffusion in the lungs follows Fick's law, which depends on the partial pressure gradient, surface area, membrane thickness, and gas solubility. The greater the difference in partial pressures between alveoli and blood, the faster the diffusion. More info.
What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?
7.25-7.35
7.45-7.55
7.35-7.45
7.10-7.20
Arterial blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in acidosis (below range) or alkalosis (above range), both of which can disrupt enzyme function and cellular activities. The respiratory system can compensate via changes in CO2 elimination. More info.
Which cell type secretes pulmonary surfactant?
Type I pneumocyte
Alveolar macrophage
Type II pneumocyte
Goblet cell
Type II pneumocytes are cuboidal epithelial cells in the alveoli that produce and secrete surfactant. Surfactant reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse during expiration. Type I cells are thin for gas exchange and do not produce surfactant. More info.
What term describes elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood?
Hypocapnia
Hyperoxemia
Hypoxemia
Hypercapnia
Hypercapnia refers to an abnormally high partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. It often results from hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or impaired gas exchange. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, and respiratory acidosis. More info.
Which branch of the autonomic nervous system causes bronchodilation?
Parasympathetic
Somatic
Enteric
Sympathetic
Sympathetic stimulation relaxes bronchial smooth muscle via ?2-adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation and increased airflow. Parasympathetic activation causes bronchoconstriction. Bronchodilators often mimic sympathetic effects. More info.
The cough reflex is primarily mediated by which cranial nerve?
Phrenic nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve
Trigeminal nerve
Vagus nerve (X)
Sensory fibers of the vagus nerve detect irritation in the airway and trigger the cough reflex via a brainstem pathway. Motor output then coordinates glottal closure and forceful expiration to clear secretions. The phrenic nerve controls diaphragm movement but not the cough reflex initiation. More info.
Which instrument measures lung volumes and capacities?
Spirometer
Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Pulse oximeter
A spirometer measures volumes of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs, including tidal volume and vital capacity. It is fundamental for pulmonary function testing. Pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation, and sphygmomanometers measure blood pressure. More info.
What is anatomical dead space?
Air remaining after maximal exhalation
Air trapped in alveoli during collapse
Air exhaled per minute
Air present in conducting airways that does not participate in gas exchange
Anatomical dead space refers to the volume of the conducting airways where no gas exchange occurs, such as the trachea and bronchi. It does not include alveoli, where exchange happens. This concept is important in calculating effective alveolar ventilation. More info.
Which structure equalizes air pressure between the middle ear and the nasopharynx?
Trachea
Sinus ostia
Pharyngeal tonsil
Eustachian tube
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane. It opens during swallowing or yawning. Dysfunction can lead to ear discomfort or infections. More info.
What is the normal partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood?
75-100 mmHg
60-80 mmHg
>100 mmHg
<60 mmHg
Arterial PaO2 typically ranges from 75 to 100 mmHg in healthy individuals breathing room air at sea level. Values below this indicate hypoxemia and may require supplemental oxygen. Higher values can occur with supplemental oxygen therapy. More info.
During moderate exercise, what happens to tidal volume?
It increases
It remains the same
It becomes zero
It decreases
During exercise, tidal volume increases to meet higher oxygen demands and eliminate more CO2. This increase comes primarily from deeper inhalations rather than faster rates at moderate levels. Both tidal volume and respiratory rate rise with exercise intensity. More info.
The FEV1/FVC ratio is most useful in diagnosing which type of lung disease?
Pulmonary edema
Pleural effusion
Restrictive lung disease
Obstructive lung disease
The FEV1/FVC ratio compares the volume exhaled in the first second to the total forced vital capacity. A reduced ratio (<70%) indicates airflow obstruction. Restrictive diseases show normal or increased ratios with reduced volumes. More info.
Which membrane protein in red blood cells mediates the chloride - bicarbonate exchange?
GLUT1
Band 3 anion exchanger
Na+/H+ exchanger
CFTR
Band 3 is an integral membrane protein in erythrocytes that exchanges bicarbonate for chloride ions, facilitating CO2 transport in the blood. This 'chloride shift' maintains electrical neutrality during gas exchange. Mutations cause hereditary spherocytosis. More info.
What area of the brainstem houses the primary respiratory rhythm generator?
Midbrain reticular formation
Pontine respiratory group
Medullary respiratory center
Hypothalamic respiratory center
The medullary respiratory center, including the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups, generates the basic inspiratory and expiratory rhythm. The pons fine-tunes this rhythm for smooth breathing. Higher centers modulate rate under different conditions. More info.
Chronic hyperventilation would lead to which acid - base disturbance?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Hyperventilation causes excessive CO2 elimination, reducing PaCO2 and leading to an increase in blood pH (respiratory alkalosis). The kidneys compensate over time by excreting bicarbonate. Symptoms may include lightheadedness and tingling sensations. More info.
Which gene mutation is most commonly associated with cystic fibrosis?
SFTPB gene mutation
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
?F508 mutation in CFTR
MUC5B promoter variant
More than 70% of cystic fibrosis cases result from the ?F508 deletion in the CFTR gene, which impairs chloride channel folding and function. This leads to thick mucus in airways and recurrent infections. Therapies target CFTR processing and function. More info.
Dalton's law of partial pressures states that:
Gas solubility is proportional to pressure
Total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of individual partial pressures
Temperature and volume are directly related
Pressure and volume are inversely related
Dalton's law holds that in a mixture of nonreacting gases, the total pressure equals the sum of each gas's partial pressure. This principle is critical for understanding oxygen and nitrogen behavior at different altitudes. More info.
Which buffer system is the primary extracellular buffer in blood?
Phosphate buffer system
Bicarbonate buffer system
Protein buffer system
Hemoglobin buffer system
The bicarbonate buffer system, involving H2CO3 and HCO3 - , is the main extracellular buffer and maintains blood pH. It works in concert with respiratory and renal systems to regulate acidity. Phosphate is more important intracellularly and in the kidney. More info.
Which cell type in the alveoli is primarily responsible for phagocytosis of debris?
Type I pneumocytes
Alveolar macrophages
Type II pneumocytes
Neutrophils
Alveolar macrophages reside on the alveolar surface and phagocytose inhaled particles, pathogens, and cell debris. They are the first line of immune defense in the lower respiratory tract. Type I and II pneumocytes function in gas exchange and surfactant production respectively. More info.
What describes the chloride shift in erythrocytes?
Secretion of chloride to form hydrochloric acid
Uptake of chloride in exchange for intracellular sodium
Movement of chloride into alveoli during gas exchange
Exchange of intracellular bicarbonate for plasma chloride
The chloride shift involves Band 3 protein exchanging bicarbonate ions for chloride ions across the RBC membrane. This helps transport CO2 in the blood from tissues to lungs. It maintains electroneutrality during gas exchange. More info.
Which histological change is characteristic of emphysema?
Fibrosis of alveolar septa
Thickening of airway smooth muscle
Excess mucus production in bronchi
Destruction of alveolar walls and enlarged airspaces
Emphysema involves permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles and destruction of alveolar walls. This reduces surface area for gas exchange and leads to airflow limitation. It is associated with smoking and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. More info.
The Hering - Breuer reflex functions to:
Regulate blood pressure via baroreceptors
Increase heart rate during exercise
Stimulate cough in response to irritants
Prevent overinflation of the lungs by inhibiting inspiration
Stretch receptors in the lungs send signals via the vagus nerve to inhibit the inspiratory center when the lungs become overinflated. This feedback prevents lung overdistension. It is most active during high tidal volumes. More info.
How does acidemia influence respiratory rate?
No change in rate
It increases respiratory rate (hyperventilation)
It decreases respiratory rate
Initial increase then decrease
Acidemia stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies to increase ventilation, reducing PaCO2 and raising pH. This compensatory hyperventilation is part of respiratory regulation of acid - base balance. It helps correct metabolic acidosis. More info.
Which lung volume cannot be measured directly by spirometry?
Residual volume
Inspiratory capacity
Vital capacity
Tidal volume
Residual volume is the air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation and cannot be measured by spirometry because it cannot be exhaled. Techniques like body plethysmography or gas dilution are used to estimate it. Spirometry measures volumes that can be exchanged. More info.
According to Laplace's law, what is the role of pulmonary surfactant?
It increases surface tension to facilitate expiration
It maintains a constant surface tension
It has no effect on surface tension
It reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse
Laplace's law states that pressure to keep a sphere open is directly proportional to surface tension and inversely proportional to radius. Surfactant lowers surface tension more in smaller alveoli, stabilizing alveolar size and preventing collapse (atelectasis). More info.
How does high altitude affect alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (PAO2)?
PAO2 decreases due to lower barometric pressure
PAO2 remains unchanged
PAO2 fluctuates unpredictably
PAO2 increases due to reduced nitrogen
At high altitudes, barometric pressure falls, reducing the partial pressure of inspired oxygen and thus alveolar PO2. This leads to hypoxemia and stimulates increased ventilation. Acclimatization involves physiological adaptations including increased hematocrit. More info.
What mechanism underlies hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction?
Global pulmonary vasodilation occurs
Capillaries dilate to increase perfusion
Endothelial permeability increases
Pulmonary arteriolar smooth muscle constricts in low O2 areas to redirect blood
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction redirects blood flow from poorly ventilated alveoli to better ventilated regions, optimizing V/Q matching. Low alveolar O2 causes smooth muscle contraction in pulmonary arterioles. Chronic hypoxia can lead to pulmonary hypertension. More info.
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Study Outcomes
Identify Major Respiratory Structures -
Pinpoint and name key components of the respiratory system, from the nasal passages to the alveoli, to build a solid anatomical foundation.
Explain Respiratory Functions -
Describe the processes of ventilation, gas exchange, and acid-base balance to understand how the lungs support overall physiology.
Analyze Clinical Terminology -
Interpret terms such as nasorrhea and other respiratory system vocabulary to boost your clinical language skills.
Answer Lung Anatomy Questions -
Apply your anatomical knowledge to tackle targeted lung anatomy questions and reinforce your learning.
Assess Knowledge Gaps -
Use the quiz results to identify areas of strength and weakness, helping you focus future study efforts.
Cheat Sheet
Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Anatomy -
Break down the respiratory system into upper (nose - including where nasorrhea occurs - pharynx, larynx) and lower (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli) segments, as outlined in university anatomy courses. Recognizing nasorrhea as excess nasal discharge aids in clinical questions about mucosal defense. Use the mnemonic "Never Play Loud Tunes Before Bed" (Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles) to lock in the order.
Respiratory Mechanics & Boyle's Law -
Inhalation happens when diaphragm contraction expands thoracic volume and lowers intrapulmonary pressure (Boyle's Law: P1V1 = P2V2), drawing air in; exhalation reverses this. Many university physiology texts emphasize "volume up, pressure down" as the core concept. Visualize a syringe to remember how changing volume alters pressure.
Gas Exchange & Partial Pressures -
O₂ and CO₂ diffuse across alveolar-capillary membranes following partial pressure differences (Henry's Law), with alveolar PO₂ ~100 mmHg and venous PO₂ ~40 mmHg. This principle explains oxygen uptake and why high-altitude training boosts red blood cell production. Recall "High P to Low P" to predict diffusion direction in any scenario.
Pulmonary Volumes and Capacities -
Key spirometry values include tidal volume (TV ~500 mL), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and residual volume (RV ~1.2 L). Calculate vital capacity (VC) using VC = TV + IRV + ERV to ace lung capacity questions. A quick mnemonic is "TV IERV" to list Tidal, Inspiratory, Expiratory, Residual volumes.
Neural and Chemical Regulation -
The medulla oblongata and pons coordinate rhythmic breathing via central chemoreceptors (sensitive to CO₂/pH) and peripheral chemoreceptors (sensitive to O₂) as detailed by the American Lung Association. Elevated CO₂ triggers the hypercapnic drive, increasing ventilation rate. Remember "COPS" (Central, O₂, Peripheral, Sensors) to recall the control sites.
