2M · 151 DOIB
BIOD 151 — Anatomy & Physiology I
C H A N G I N G L I V E S T H R O U G H E D U C AT I O N
PORTAGE
EST. 2009
BIOD 151 Module 2 Portage Learning
R E S P I RATO RY SYST E M — CO M P R E H E N S I V E R E V I E W
INSTITUTION Portage Learning PROGRAM Pre-Nursing / Allied Health
COURSE CODE BIOD 151 COURSE TITLE Anatomy & Physiology I — Module
2
ACADEMIC YEAR EXAM TITLE BIOD 151 Module 2 Portage
Learning
TOTAL QUESTIONS 62 Questions FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathology are all testable content.
▸ Understanding gas exchange, lung volumes, and pressure relationships is emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All anatomical and physiological data reflects standard textbook knowledge.
, SECTION I — RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: ANATOMY,
Questions 1 – 62
PHYSIOLOGY & PATHOLOGY
1. When the diaphragm rises, thoracic pressure increases and air naturally flows out of the
lungs. Is this statement true or false?
A. True
B. False
CORRECT ANSWER A — True
RATIONALE When the diaphragm rises during exhalation, the thoracic cavity volume
decreases, increasing intrathoracic pressure. This creates a pressure gradient
where pressure inside the lungs exceeds atmospheric pressure, causing air to
naturally flow out of the lungs. This is consistent with Boyle's law and the
mechanics of passive exhalation.
2. What is true of the respiratory physiology calculations?
A. Vital Capacity (VC) = TLC + RV
B. Total Lung Capacity (TLC) = VC + RV
C. Tidal Volume = Inspiratory Reserve Volume + Expiratory Reserve Volume
D. Residual Volume = TLC - Inspiratory Capacity
CORRECT ANSWER B — Total Lung Capacity (TLC) = VC + RV
RATIONALE Total Lung Capacity (TLC) is the sum of Vital Capacity (VC) and Residual Volume
(RV). Vital Capacity represents the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled
after a maximum inhalation, while Residual Volume is the air remaining in the
lungs after a maximum exhalation. Together they represent the total volume of air
the lungs can hold.
,3. What is Label F in the respiratory anatomy diagram?
A. Oral cavity
B. Epiglottis
C. Glottis
D. Trachea
E. Esophagus
CORRECT ANSWER D — Trachea
RATIONALE The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is the tubular airway that extends from
the larynx to the primary bronchi. It is lined with pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium and is reinforced by C-shaped cartilage rings that prevent
collapse during respiration. It serves as the main passageway for air traveling to
and from the lungs.
4. Which of the following pulmonary function values would be abnormally high in a patient
diagnosed with emphysema, and explain why?
A. Tidal Volume — because the lungs are more compliant
B. Vital Capacity — because the patient can inhale more deeply
C. Residual Volume — because air becomes trapped in the lungs upon exhalation
D. Inspiratory Reserve Volume — because the diaphragm is more efficient
CORRECT ANSWER C — Residual Volume — because air becomes trapped in the lungs upon
exhalation
RATIONALE In emphysema, the destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil causes
air to become trapped in the lungs upon exhalation. This results in an abnormally
high Residual Volume (RV), which is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after
a maximum exhalation that cannot be exhaled. This air trapping is a hallmark of
obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema.
, 5. Why would warming air be beneficial to gas exchange?
A. It increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the air
B. It would expand the air to make it more available for gas exchange
C. It decreases the density of the air, making it easier to breathe
D. It prevents moisture from condensing in the alveoli
CORRECT ANSWER B — It would expand the air to make it more available for gas exchange
RATIONALE Warming air expands it, increasing the volume and making gas molecules more
available for exchange across the respiratory membrane. According to Charles's
law, gases expand when heated. Warm air also helps maintain the temperature of
the respiratory surfaces, supports the humidification of inhaled air, and prevents
damage to delicate alveolar tissues from cold, dry air.
6. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts to pull the lungs open. Is this statement true
or false?
A. True
B. False
CORRECT ANSWER A — True
RATIONALE During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves inferiorly, flattening the
dome-shaped muscle. This increases the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity,
decreasing intrathoracic pressure. The negative pressure draws air into the lungs,
effectively "pulling" them open. This is the primary mechanism of normal quiet
breathing.