Anatomy & Physiology Respiratory System Exam Practice Test

Sample Questions and Answers

• Which of the following structures is responsible for warming, moistening, and filtering the air we breathe?

• a) Pharynx
• b) Trachea
• c) Nasal cavity
• d) Bronchi
• Answer: c) Nasal cavity

• The exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood occurs in which of the following?

• a) Trachea
• b) Bronchi
• c) Alveolar sacs
• d) Larynx
• Answer: c) Alveolar sacs

• Which of the following muscles is primarily responsible for inspiration?

• a) Diaphragm
• b) External intercostals
• c) Abdominals
• d) Internal intercostals
• Answer: a) Diaphragm

• The function of the cilia in the respiratory system is to:

• a) Increase oxygen absorption
• b) Move mucus and trapped particles
• c) Produce surfactant
• d) Facilitate gas exchange
• Answer: b) Move mucus and trapped particles

• What is the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs?

• a) Bronchi
• b) Alveoli
• c) Trachea
• d) Pleura
• Answer: b) Alveoli

• Which of the following is a characteristic of the right lung?

• a) It has two lobes
• b) It is larger and has three lobes
• c) It is smaller and has two lobes
• d) It is divided into four lobes
• Answer: b) It is larger and has three lobes

• Which part of the respiratory system is commonly referred to as the “windpipe”?

• a) Bronchi
• b) Trachea
• c) Larynx
• d) Pharynx
• Answer: b) Trachea

• Which of the following helps prevent the collapse of the lungs by reducing surface tension?

• a) Mucus
• b) Surfactant
• c) Hemoglobin
• d) Collagen
• Answer: b) Surfactant

• The primary function of the respiratory system is to:

• a) Deliver oxygen to tissues
• b) Remove carbon dioxide from the body
• c) Control the pH of the blood
• d) Both a and b
• Answer: d) Both a and b

• Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

• a) Epiglottis
• b) Larynx
• c) Uvula
• d) Soft palate
• Answer: a) Epiglottis

• The term “tidal volume” refers to:

• a) The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation
• b) The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing
• c) The total volume of air in the lungs at the end of maximum inhalation
• d) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation
• Answer: b) The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing

• Which of the following structures serves as a passageway for both food and air?

• a) Trachea
• b) Pharynx
• c) Bronchi
• d) Larynx
• Answer: b) Pharynx

• The exchange of gases between the blood and the body’s tissues occurs in the:

• a) Capillaries
• b) Alveoli
• c) Arteries
• d) Veins
• Answer: a) Capillaries

• The most important factor that controls the rate of breathing is the concentration of:

• a) Oxygen in the blood
• b) Carbon dioxide in the blood
• c) Nitrogen in the blood
• d) Hydrogen ions in the blood
• Answer: b) Carbon dioxide in the blood

• The process of breathing is controlled by the:

• a) Cerebrum
• b) Medulla oblongata
• c) Hypothalamus
• d) Cerebellum
• Answer: b) Medulla oblongata

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

• a) Regulation of blood pH
• b) Exchange of gases
• c) Production of sound
• d) Digestion of food
• Answer: d) Digestion of food

• The pleura is a membrane that:

• a) Covers the lungs
• b) Produces surfactant
• c) Stores air
• d) Filters air
• Answer: a) Covers the lungs

• What is the primary role of hemoglobin in the respiratory system?

• a) To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
• b) To regulate the breathing rate
• c) To assist in the production of surfactant
• d) To filter dust particles from the air
• Answer: a) To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood

• The term “vital capacity” refers to:

• a) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after exhalation
• b) The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a deep inhalation
• c) The amount of air exchanged during normal breathing
• d) The total volume of air in the lungs at maximum inspiration
• Answer: b) The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a deep inhalation

• Which of the following is a feature of the alveoli that facilitates gas exchange?

• a) Thick walls
• b) Small surface area
• c) High blood flow
• d) Large surface area
• Answer: d) Large surface area

• The function of the bronchial tree is to:

• a) Filter and warm air as it enters the lungs
• b) Facilitate gas exchange in the alveoli
• c) Regulate the amount of oxygen in the blood
• d) Transport oxygen to the blood
• Answer: a) Filter and warm air as it enters the lungs

• Which of the following is true about the diaphragm?

• a) It is a voluntary muscle
• b) It contracts during exhalation
• c) It is a smooth muscle
• d) It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity
• Answer: d) It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity

• Which of the following is part of the lower respiratory tract?

• a) Nasal cavity
• b) Larynx
• c) Pharynx
• d) Bronchi
• Answer: d) Bronchi

• The term “external respiration” refers to the:

• a) Exchange of gases between the blood and tissues
• b) Movement of air into and out of the lungs
• c) Exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood
• d) Transport of gases in the bloodstream
• Answer: c) Exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood