Respiratory System Quiz

Which of the following is NOT part of the upper airway?

• Nasopharynx

• Oropharynx

• Larynx

• Bronchioles

Answer explanation

The upper airway consists of anatomical structures that air passes through before it reaches the lungs. This includes the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. Bronchioles, however, are part of the lower airway. They are small branches of the bronchi and are located within the lungs, making them not part of the upper airway.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

The right lung is larger and has three lobes, while the left lung has only two. The three lobes are superior, middle, and inferior. They are separated by the horizontal and oblique fissures. The middle lobe is unique to the right lung. Hence, the correct answer to the question is 'Three'.

What is the function of the lungs?

• Bronchodilation

• Bronchoconstriction

• Gas exchange

• Blood circulation

Answer explanation

The function of the lungs is primarily for gas exchange. They are responsible for taking in oxygen from the atmosphere and expelling carbon dioxide from the body, which is a vital process for our survival. Neither bronchodilation, bronchoconstriction nor blood circulation directly describes the function of the lungs, though they are related processes.

What is the purpose of surfactant in the lungs?

• To expand the airway

• To restrict the airway

• To prevent alveoli collapse

• To increase lung compliance

Answer explanation

Surfactant in the lungs serves to reduce surface tension, thereby preventing the alveoli – the tiny air sacs in the lungs – from collapsing. It is critical for maintaining proper lung function and gas exchange. The answer '

To prevent alveoli collapse

' accurately reflects this function.

What is hypoxemia?

• Limited amount of oxygen in the blood

• Muscle retractions during inspiration

• Lack of oxygen at the cellular level

• Increased pressure within the alveoli

Answer explanation

Hypoxemia refers to a lower than normal level of oxygen in the blood. This condition is more accurately described as '

Limited amount of oxygen in the blood

'. The other options do not fit the definition of hypoxemia. For instance, muscle retractions and increased alveolar pressure are symptoms of respiratory disorders, not hypoxemia. The lack of oxygen at the cellular level is called hypoxia, not hypoxemia.

What is lung compliance?

• The pressure that exists when the airway is narrowed

• The point to which a lung can expand in response to increased pressure

• The flow of air inside or outside of the alveoli

• The flow of blood into the alveolar capillaries

Answer explanation

Lung compliance refers to the extent to which the lungs can expand in response to increased pressure. The correct option explains this concept accurately. The other options discussing pressure in a narrowed airway, air flow inside or outside of the alveoli, or blood flow into the alveolar capillaries do not correctly describe lung compliance.

What is the function of the pulmonary circulation?

• To eliminate carbon dioxide

• To oxygenate the blood

• To distribute blood via systemic circulation

• To return deoxygenated blood to the heart

Answer explanation

The function of the pulmonary circulation is to oxygenate the blood. This system of blood vessels carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and sheds carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood then returns to the heart, ready to be distributed throughout the body via the systemic circulation, hence making 'To oxygenate the blood' the correct answer to the question.

Where does oxygenation take place in the lungs?

• Nasopharynx

• Bronchioles

• Alveoli

• Trachea

Answer explanation

The oxygenation process in the lungs occurs in the Alveoli. These are tiny sacs, located at the end of the bronchioles, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the lungs and the bloodstream. Therefore, among the options provided, Alveoli is the correct choice for where oxygenation happens in the lungs.

What is the purpose of the pulmonary vein?

• To return oxygenated blood to the left atrium

• To pump blood through the bicuspid valve

• To distribute blood via systemic circulation

• To eliminate carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

The pulmonary vein has a specific function in the circulatory system. It carries oxygenated blood, which has been oxygenated in the lungs, back to the heart's left atrium. This is crucial as the left atrium then pushes this oxygen-rich blood into the left ventricle, which pumps it out to the rest of the body. Hence, the option 'To return oxygenated blood to the left atrium' is correct.