Test Yourself Questions (Respiratory System)

What is the primary function of the turbinates in the nasal passages?

How are particles like dust and pollen removed from the inhaled air in the nasal passages?

What warms the inhaled air as it passes through the nasal passages?

What is the role of the epiglottis in the swallowing process?

What complex series of actions occurs during swallowing to prevent interference with breathing?

How do the pharynx and larynx work together to prevent swallowing from interfering with breathing?

What is the primary function of the hyaline cartilage rings in the trachea?

Which component of the trachea is responsible for its ability to maintain an open airway?

What is the structure called that divides into smaller and smaller bronchioles?

Where do the microscopic alveolar ducts end?

What do the bronchioles continue to subdivide into?

What is the primary function of the thin layers of simple squamous epithelium in both alveoli and capillaries?

What prevents the collapse of alveoli during breathing?

What is the role of capillaries surrounding the alveoli in gas exchange?

What is the function of the surfactant in the fluid coating each alveolus?

What is the hilus of the lung?

Why is the hilus of the lung important?

What enters and leaves the lung through the hilus?

What structures are located in the mediastinum?

Which structure is NOT located in the mediastinum?

What is the primary function of the structures in the mediastinum?

Which pulmonary blood vessel carries oxygen-rich blood?

Where does the pulmonary vein deliver oxygenated blood?

What is the primary function of the pulmonary circulation?

What is the primary role of negative intrathoracic pressure in breathing?

If negative intrathoracic pressure is lost, what is the most likely consequence?

How does negative intrathoracic pressure affect overall cardiovascular function?

What are the main muscles used during inspiration?

How do the external intercostal muscles contribute to inspiration?

What happens when the diaphragm contracts during inspiration?

What is the main function of the internal intercostal muscles during expiration?

How do abdominal muscles contribute to expiration?

What is the primary role of the internal intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles during expiration?

What drives the movement of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood in the alveolar capillaries?

What maintains the concentration gradient necessary for the exchange of gases in the alveoli and capillaries?

What is the primary function of the alveolar capillaries in the gas exchange process?

Which area of the brain stem is primarily responsible for controlling breathing?

What triggers the nerve impulses that control the respiratory muscles?

How is the subconscious control of the respiratory muscles achieved?

What is the primary function of the mechanical respiratory control system?

What is the main role of the chemical respiratory control system?

How does the mechanical respiratory control system differ from the chemical system?

What are the three changes in arterial blood that trigger the chemical respiratory control system to override the mechanical control system?

Where are the chemical receptors located that detect the changes triggering the chemical respiratory control system?

What triggers the chemical respiratory control system to override the mechanical control system?