A&P 1 101 Lab Exam 8 Module Questions and
Answers - Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Edition.
DOMAIN 1: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM GROSS ANATOMY (8 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the respiratory system model, a small, curved, leaf-shaped structure is pinned at the base
of the tongue. This structure prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing.
Identify this structure.
A) Thyroid cartilage
B) Cricoid cartilage
C) Epiglottis [CORRECT]
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Rationale: The epiglottis is correctly identified as a spoon-shaped elastic cartilage located at the
base of the tongue on the model. Its distinctive leaf-like shape and position superior to the
glottis are the key visual cues. During swallowing, it folds downward to cover the laryngeal inlet,
preventing aspiration.
Question 2 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
A student is examining the nasal cavity model. Which structure is identified as the thin, scroll-
like bony plates projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity that increase surface area
for warming and humidifying air?
A) Nasal septum
B) Nasal conchae (turbinates) [CORRECT]
C) Hard palate
D) Nasopharynx
Rationale: The nasal conchae (superior, middle, and inferior) are identified on the model as
three curved, shelf-like bony projections extending from the lateral nasal wall. Their scroll-like
appearance and layered arrangement are the key visual cues; they increase mucosal surface
area for conditioning inspired air.
, Question 3 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the pharynx model, a pin is placed on the region that serves as a common passageway for
both air and food, located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the larynx. Identify this
region.
A) Oropharynx
B) Laryngopharynx
C) Nasopharynx [CORRECT]
D) Esophagus
Rationale: The nasopharynx is identified on the model as the superior-most region of the
pharynx, located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate. It is an air-only
passageway (unlike the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, which are shared passages). The
pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) may be visible on its posterior wall as a visual cue.
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
A structure on the trachea model shows distinct, open-ended rings composed of hyaline
cartilage that provide structural support while allowing the esophagus to expand during
swallowing. Identify this feature.
A) Trachealis muscle
B) C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings [CORRECT]
C) Carina
D) Thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings are identified on the anterior and lateral aspects
of the trachea model. The key visual cue is that the rings are open posteriorly (forming a C-
shape rather than a complete circle), which allows the smooth trachealis muscle to bridge the
gap and permits esophageal expansion during swallowing.
Question 5 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the respiratory model, a pin is placed on the indented region on the medial surface of the
lung where the primary bronchus, pulmonary vessels, and nerves enter and exit. Identify this
structure.
Answers - Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Edition.
DOMAIN 1: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM GROSS ANATOMY (8 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the respiratory system model, a small, curved, leaf-shaped structure is pinned at the base
of the tongue. This structure prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing.
Identify this structure.
A) Thyroid cartilage
B) Cricoid cartilage
C) Epiglottis [CORRECT]
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Rationale: The epiglottis is correctly identified as a spoon-shaped elastic cartilage located at the
base of the tongue on the model. Its distinctive leaf-like shape and position superior to the
glottis are the key visual cues. During swallowing, it folds downward to cover the laryngeal inlet,
preventing aspiration.
Question 2 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
A student is examining the nasal cavity model. Which structure is identified as the thin, scroll-
like bony plates projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity that increase surface area
for warming and humidifying air?
A) Nasal septum
B) Nasal conchae (turbinates) [CORRECT]
C) Hard palate
D) Nasopharynx
Rationale: The nasal conchae (superior, middle, and inferior) are identified on the model as
three curved, shelf-like bony projections extending from the lateral nasal wall. Their scroll-like
appearance and layered arrangement are the key visual cues; they increase mucosal surface
area for conditioning inspired air.
, Question 3 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the pharynx model, a pin is placed on the region that serves as a common passageway for
both air and food, located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the larynx. Identify this
region.
A) Oropharynx
B) Laryngopharynx
C) Nasopharynx [CORRECT]
D) Esophagus
Rationale: The nasopharynx is identified on the model as the superior-most region of the
pharynx, located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate. It is an air-only
passageway (unlike the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, which are shared passages). The
pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) may be visible on its posterior wall as a visual cue.
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
A structure on the trachea model shows distinct, open-ended rings composed of hyaline
cartilage that provide structural support while allowing the esophagus to expand during
swallowing. Identify this feature.
A) Trachealis muscle
B) C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings [CORRECT]
C) Carina
D) Thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings are identified on the anterior and lateral aspects
of the trachea model. The key visual cue is that the rings are open posteriorly (forming a C-
shape rather than a complete circle), which allows the smooth trachealis muscle to bridge the
gap and permits esophageal expansion during swallowing.
Question 5 (Multiple-Choice – Image/Model Based)
On the respiratory model, a pin is placed on the indented region on the medial surface of the
lung where the primary bronchus, pulmonary vessels, and nerves enter and exit. Identify this
structure.
