BIOS 255 EDAPT Week 4: Respiratory System Lab Study Guide 2026
Chamberlain College
1. Which structure marks the division between the upper and lower respiratory
tracts?
A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Trachea
D. Nasal Cavity
Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx is generally considered the dividing point; structures above it are
upper, and the larynx and structures below it are lower.
2. Which type of alveolar cells are responsible for secreting surfactant?
A. Type I Alveolar Cells
B. Type II Alveolar Cells
C. Alveolar Macrophages
D. Goblet Cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Type II alveolar cells (septal cells) secrete alveolar fluid, which includes
surfactant to reduce surface tension.
,3. What is the primary function of the cartilaginous C-rings in the trachea?
A. To prevent the airway from collapsing during pressure changes
B. To allow for the expansion of the esophagus
C. To facilitate the production of sound
D. To warm and moisten incoming air
Answer: A
Rationale: The rigid C-shaped cartilage rings maintain the patency of the trachea,
preventing it from collapsing during inhalation.
4. The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, quiet breath is known
as:
A. Inspiratory Reserve Volume
B. Vital Capacity
C. Residual Volume
D. Tidal Volume
Answer: D
Rationale: Tidal volume (TV) is the volume of air moved into or out of the lungs during a
single respiratory cycle at rest.
5. Which law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its
volume?
A. Dalton’s Law
B. Boyle’s Law
C. Henry’s Law
D. Charles’s Law
Answer: B
Rationale: Boyle’s Law explains how changes in thoracic volume lead to pressure changes
that drive ventilation.
, 6. Which of the following describes the ‘Chloride Shift’?
A. Exchange of Cl- for Na+ in the kidneys
B. Movement of Cl- into the plasma during dehydration
C. Movement of Cl- into RBCs as HCO3- moves out
D. Binding of Cl- to hemoglobin
Answer: C
Rationale: To maintain electrical neutrality, bicarbonate ions leaving the RBC are
exchanged for chloride ions entering the cell.
7. What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
A. It covers the glottis to prevent food from entering the larynx
B. It opens to allow air into the esophagus
C. It vibrates to produce vocal sounds
D. It filters dust particles from the air
Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that closes off the larynx during
swallowing to protect the airway.
8. Most carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in which form?
A. Dissolved in plasma
B. As bicarbonate ions
C. Bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin
D. As carbonic acid
Answer: B
Rationale: About 70% of CO2 is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
Chamberlain College
1. Which structure marks the division between the upper and lower respiratory
tracts?
A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Trachea
D. Nasal Cavity
Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx is generally considered the dividing point; structures above it are
upper, and the larynx and structures below it are lower.
2. Which type of alveolar cells are responsible for secreting surfactant?
A. Type I Alveolar Cells
B. Type II Alveolar Cells
C. Alveolar Macrophages
D. Goblet Cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Type II alveolar cells (septal cells) secrete alveolar fluid, which includes
surfactant to reduce surface tension.
,3. What is the primary function of the cartilaginous C-rings in the trachea?
A. To prevent the airway from collapsing during pressure changes
B. To allow for the expansion of the esophagus
C. To facilitate the production of sound
D. To warm and moisten incoming air
Answer: A
Rationale: The rigid C-shaped cartilage rings maintain the patency of the trachea,
preventing it from collapsing during inhalation.
4. The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, quiet breath is known
as:
A. Inspiratory Reserve Volume
B. Vital Capacity
C. Residual Volume
D. Tidal Volume
Answer: D
Rationale: Tidal volume (TV) is the volume of air moved into or out of the lungs during a
single respiratory cycle at rest.
5. Which law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its
volume?
A. Dalton’s Law
B. Boyle’s Law
C. Henry’s Law
D. Charles’s Law
Answer: B
Rationale: Boyle’s Law explains how changes in thoracic volume lead to pressure changes
that drive ventilation.
, 6. Which of the following describes the ‘Chloride Shift’?
A. Exchange of Cl- for Na+ in the kidneys
B. Movement of Cl- into the plasma during dehydration
C. Movement of Cl- into RBCs as HCO3- moves out
D. Binding of Cl- to hemoglobin
Answer: C
Rationale: To maintain electrical neutrality, bicarbonate ions leaving the RBC are
exchanged for chloride ions entering the cell.
7. What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
A. It covers the glottis to prevent food from entering the larynx
B. It opens to allow air into the esophagus
C. It vibrates to produce vocal sounds
D. It filters dust particles from the air
Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that closes off the larynx during
swallowing to protect the airway.
8. Most carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in which form?
A. Dissolved in plasma
B. As bicarbonate ions
C. Bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin
D. As carbonic acid
Answer: B
Rationale: About 70% of CO2 is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
