Mechanism of Respiration - General Physiology Quiz

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What is the primary function of surfactant in the respiratory system?

Close the alveoli

Reduce surface tension of water (correct)

Protect the alveoli from infections

Increase surface tension of water

What does lung compliance measure?

Airflow resistance

Volume change in the lungs per unit increase in pressure (correct)

Airway resistance

Lung volumes

How is airway resistance defined?

Resistance to airflow during exhalation only

Resistance to blood flow in the lungs

Resistance to airflow during inhalation only

Pressure difference between the mouth and alveoli divided by airflow (correct)

Which device is used to measure lung volumes?

Spirometry Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a flow-oriented incentive spirometer?

Help in maintaining proper airflow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pulmonary ventilation?

To exchange gases between the atmosphere and the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

How does air move into the lungs during pulmonary ventilation?

Due to alternating pressure differences created by respiratory muscle contraction and relaxation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the respiratory system is responsible for protecting the body from dust and microbes?

Mucus production, cilia, and coughing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Fick’s Law of Diffusion in relation to gas exchange?

To regulate the rate of gas exchange in the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the mechanism of breathing during pulmonary ventilation?

The movement of air into and out of the lungs due to pressure changes Signup and view all the answers

In what way does lung compliance impact pulmonary ventilation?

By affecting the ease at which the lungs expand and contract Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the pressure inside the alveoli becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure?

Air flows into the lungs Signup and view all the answers

During exhalation, what happens as a result of the ribs being depressed?

Thoracic cavity size decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are mainly responsible for decreasing lung volume during expiration?

Inspiratory muscles Signup and view all the answers

What causes air to flow out of the lungs during expiration?

Increased atmospheric pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the medullary respiratory center in the brain stem?

Sending nerve impulses for breathing muscle contraction and relaxation Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain stem plays a significant role in controlling respiration?

Pons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Apneustic center in the respiratory system?

Controls the intensity of breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which factor directly affects the collapse of alveoli in the respiratory system?

Surfactant in alveoli Signup and view all the answers

How does the Pneumotaxic center affect breathing in the respiratory system?

Limits phrenic nerve activity Signup and view all the answers

What role does the cerebral cortex play in the respiratory system?

Allows voluntary alteration of breathing pattern Signup and view all the answers

Which center in the respiratory system sends signals to inhibit inspiration?

Pneumotaxic center Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the DRG neurons in the respiratory system to resume breathing when consciousness is lost?

High PCO2 and H Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the preBötzinger complex in the brainstem?

Generation of respiratory rhythm Signup and view all the answers

Which group of neurons is responsible for generating impulses to the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles during normal quiet breathing?

Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG) Signup and view all the answers

During periods of inactivity, what happens to the diaphragm and external intercostals under the influence of the DRG?

They relax for about three seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which area in the pons was formerly referred to as the inspiratory area?

Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) in breathing?

Drive the rate at which DRG neurons fire action potentials Signup and view all the answers

In what situations does the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) become activated?

When forceful breathing is required Signup and view all the answers

What effect does surfactant have on the alveoli?

Reduces the surface tension Signup and view all the answers

How is lung compliance defined?

Extent of lung expansion for each unit increase in trans-pulmonary pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an airway resistance measurement?

To assess respiratory tract airflow resistance Signup and view all the answers

How are lung volumes typically measured?

Using a flow-oriented spirometer with three chambers Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the chambers in a flow-oriented incentive spirometer?

To indicate the flow needed to raise balls Signup and view all the answers