Respiratory System MCQ Questions

Definition of Respiration: The process of gas exchange in the body, involving inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide.
Function of the Nasal Cavity: Warms, humidifies, and filters inhaled air.
Function of the Pharynx: Passageway for both air and food.
Function of the Larynx: Houses the vocal cords; responsible for voice production.
Function of the Trachea: Carries air to the bronchi; lined with cilia to remove foreign particles.
Function of the Bronchi: Air passageways leading to the lungs; branch into progressively smaller bronchioles.
Function of the Bronchioles: Smallest branches of the bronchial tree; lead to alveoli.
Function of the Alveoli: Sites of gas exchange in the lungs; tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries.
Mechanism of Inspiration: Diaphragm contracts, expanding the thoracic cavity, decreasing intrapulmonary pressure, causing air to flow into the lungs.
Mechanism of Expiration: Diaphragm relaxes, decreasing the thoracic cavity volume, increasing intrapulmonary pressure, forcing air out of the lungs.
Factors Affecting Breathing Rate: Exercise, emotional state, altitude, and blood oxygen levels.
Parts of the Respiratory System: Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
Principal Muscles of Respiration: Diaphragm, external intercostals, and accessory muscles.
Difference Between External and Internal Respiration: External respiration is gas exchange between the lungs and the blood; internal respiration is gas exchange between the blood and the body's tissues.
Factors Affecting Gas Exchange: Partial pressure gradients of gases, solubility of gases, surface area of the respiratory membrane, and thickness of the respiratory membrane.
Significance of Surfactant: Reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation.
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities: Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, residual volume, inspiratory capacity, functional residual capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity.
Control of Breathing: Medulla oblongata (controls the rhythm of breathing) and pons (adjusts the rate and depth of breathing).
Role of Chemoreceptors: Detect changes in blood pH, CO2, and O2 levels to regulate breathing.
Types of Lung Diseases: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Asthma Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Emphysema Symptoms: Shortness of breath, persistent cough, and barrel chest.
Bronchitis Symptoms: Coughing with mucus production, chest congestion, and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia Symptoms: Cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Common Respiratory Infections: Influenza, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

MCQ Example Questions

Which of the following is NOT a part of the upper respiratory tract?
a) Larynx
b) Pharynx
c) Trachea
d) Nasal Cavity
Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration? a) Internal intercostals
b) External intercostals
c) Diaphragm
d) Rectus abdominis
What is the primary function of the alveoli? a) Voice production
b) Filtration of inhaled air
c) Gas exchange
d) Swallowing
What is the primary purpose of surfactant? a) Increase surface tension in alveoli b) Decrease surface tension in alveoli c) Produce mucus in the airways d) Break down harmful particles
What part of the brain controls the basic rhythm of breathing? a) Cerebellum b) Medulla oblongata c) Pons d) Hypothalamus

Answer Key (Example)

Question 1: c) Trachea
Question 2: c) Diaphragm
Question 3: c) Gas exchange
Question 4: b) Decrease surface tension in alveoli
Question 5: b) Medulla oblongata

Key Concepts Summary

Respiratory system function is complex, involving a series of organs that facilitate gas exchange.
Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system helps diagnose and treat respiratory diseases effectively.
Proper functioning of the respiratory system is crucial for overall health.