, SECTION 1 | Respiratory System Anatomy | Q1-Q15 | BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4
Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
Q1. A 28-year-old medical student is examining a histological slide of the trachea and notes a
layer of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The student also
observes C-shaped cartilage rings. Which structural feature is the primary reason the trachea
remains patent during pressure changes?
A. The ciliated epithelium moves mucus toward the pharynx to keep the airway clear
B. The C-shaped cartilage rings provide rigid structural support while allowing the posterior wall to flex
C. The smooth muscle in the tracheal wall contracts to maintain airway diameter
D. The submucosal glands secrete mucus that coats and protects the airway lumen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings prevent collapse of the tracheal lumen during inspiration when
intrathoracic pressure decreases. The open posterior portion of each ring is adjacent to the esophagus,
allowing slight expansion during swallowing. Ciliated epithelium and mucus serve mucociliary clearance, not
structural support.
Q2 Question 2 of 75
Q2. A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic sinusitis, and a CT scan reveals inflammation
of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. The physician explains that these sinuses serve specific
functions beyond air filtration. What is the primary physiological role of the paranasal sinuses in
the respiratory system?
A. They produce surfactant to reduce surface tension in the nasal cavity
B. They lighten the skull weight, resonate sound, and produce mucus to humidify inspired air
C. They house the olfactory receptors responsible for the sense of smell
D. They trap large particles before air enters the lower respiratory tract
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull bones that reduce skull weight, act as resonance
chambers for voice production, and secrete mucus that contributes to humidifying and warming inspired air.
Olfactory receptors are located in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity, not in the sinuses.
Q3 Question 3 of 75
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2
, Q3. During a cadaver dissection, a nursing student traces the pathway of air from the nasal
cavity to the larynx. The student notes three subdivisions of the pharynx. Which pharyngeal
region is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems and contains the palatine
tonsils?
A. The nasopharynx, which lies posterior to the nasal cavity and contains the pharyngeal tonsil
B. The nasopharynx, which contains the opening of the Eustachian tube and the pharyngeal tonsil
C. The laryngopharynx, which extends from the epiglottis to the esophagus and trachea
D. The oropharynx, which extends from the soft palate to the epiglottis and contains the palatine tonsils
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The oropharynx is the middle division of the pharynx that serves as a shared passageway for both air and
food. It extends from the soft palate to the level of the epiglottis and houses the palatine tonsils on its lateral
walls. The nasopharynx is exclusively respiratory, and the laryngopharynx connects to both the larynx and
esophagus.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
Q4. A 35-year-old singer visits an ENT specialist after experiencing hoarseness for three
weeks. Laryngoscopy reveals inflammation of the true vocal cords. During normal quiet
breathing, what is the expected position of the true vocal cords?
A. They are tightly adducted to prevent air from entering the trachea
B. They are widely abducted to create a large opening for airflow
C. They are slightly abducted, forming a triangular opening called the rima glottidis
D. They are in a neutral intermediate position between full abduction and adduction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
During normal quiet breathing, the true vocal cords are slightly abducted, creating a triangular opening called
the rima glottidis that allows air to pass through the larynx. During forced inspiration, the cords abduct more
widely, and during phonation, they adduct and vibrate to produce sound.
Q5 Question 5 of 75
Q5. A pediatrician examines a 6-month-old infant with a barking cough and stridor, diagnosing
croup involving the subglottic region of the larynx. Why is this particular region especially
dangerous when it becomes inflamed in young children?
A. The subglottic region contains the vocal cords which can become paralyzed during inflammation
B. The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs through this area and is easily damaged by infection
C. The epiglottis in infants is more flexible and can obstruct the glottis when swollen
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3
, D. The cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring that cannot expand, so swelling narrows the airway
dramatically
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The cricoid cartilage is the only complete cartilaginous ring in the airway. In infants, this ring is the narrowest
portion of the upper airway. When the subglottic mucosa becomes inflamed, the swelling cannot be
accommodated by outward expansion of the cartilage, leading to rapid airway narrowing and the hallmark
stridor.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
Q6. A respiratory therapist is reviewing the bronchial tree anatomy with a patient who has a
right middle lobe pneumonia. The therapist explains that the right lung differs from the left lung
in several ways. Which anatomical difference is most relevant to the patient's right middle lobe
infection?
A. The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left, directing aspirated material
to the right lung
B. The right lung has three lobes separated by the horizontal and oblique fissures, while the left has two
C. The right lung has a cardiac notch that compresses the middle lobe against the mediastinum
D. The left lung has a lingula that is anatomically equivalent to the right middle lobe
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertically oriented compared to the left main bronchus.
This anatomical arrangement makes the right lung, particularly the right middle and lower lobes, more
susceptible to aspirated material and foreign bodies. While the right lung does have three lobes, the
bronchial anatomy is the primary factor in the distribution of infection.
Q7 Question 7 of 75
Q7. A histology student is examining a cross-section of lung tissue under a microscope and
identifies structures composed of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium surrounded by
a dense capillary network. These structures are the primary sites of gas exchange in the lungs.
What are these structures called?
A. Bronchioles, which are the smallest conducting airways before the alveolar ducts
B. Respiratory bronchioles, which contain scattered alveoli along their walls
C. Terminal bronchioles, which mark the transition from conducting to respiratory zones
D. Alveoli, which are thin-walled sacs surrounded by pulmonary capillaries for gas exchange
Correct Answer: D
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4
Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
Q1. A 28-year-old medical student is examining a histological slide of the trachea and notes a
layer of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The student also
observes C-shaped cartilage rings. Which structural feature is the primary reason the trachea
remains patent during pressure changes?
A. The ciliated epithelium moves mucus toward the pharynx to keep the airway clear
B. The C-shaped cartilage rings provide rigid structural support while allowing the posterior wall to flex
C. The smooth muscle in the tracheal wall contracts to maintain airway diameter
D. The submucosal glands secrete mucus that coats and protects the airway lumen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings prevent collapse of the tracheal lumen during inspiration when
intrathoracic pressure decreases. The open posterior portion of each ring is adjacent to the esophagus,
allowing slight expansion during swallowing. Ciliated epithelium and mucus serve mucociliary clearance, not
structural support.
Q2 Question 2 of 75
Q2. A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic sinusitis, and a CT scan reveals inflammation
of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. The physician explains that these sinuses serve specific
functions beyond air filtration. What is the primary physiological role of the paranasal sinuses in
the respiratory system?
A. They produce surfactant to reduce surface tension in the nasal cavity
B. They lighten the skull weight, resonate sound, and produce mucus to humidify inspired air
C. They house the olfactory receptors responsible for the sense of smell
D. They trap large particles before air enters the lower respiratory tract
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull bones that reduce skull weight, act as resonance
chambers for voice production, and secrete mucus that contributes to humidifying and warming inspired air.
Olfactory receptors are located in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity, not in the sinuses.
Q3 Question 3 of 75
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2
, Q3. During a cadaver dissection, a nursing student traces the pathway of air from the nasal
cavity to the larynx. The student notes three subdivisions of the pharynx. Which pharyngeal
region is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems and contains the palatine
tonsils?
A. The nasopharynx, which lies posterior to the nasal cavity and contains the pharyngeal tonsil
B. The nasopharynx, which contains the opening of the Eustachian tube and the pharyngeal tonsil
C. The laryngopharynx, which extends from the epiglottis to the esophagus and trachea
D. The oropharynx, which extends from the soft palate to the epiglottis and contains the palatine tonsils
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The oropharynx is the middle division of the pharynx that serves as a shared passageway for both air and
food. It extends from the soft palate to the level of the epiglottis and houses the palatine tonsils on its lateral
walls. The nasopharynx is exclusively respiratory, and the laryngopharynx connects to both the larynx and
esophagus.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
Q4. A 35-year-old singer visits an ENT specialist after experiencing hoarseness for three
weeks. Laryngoscopy reveals inflammation of the true vocal cords. During normal quiet
breathing, what is the expected position of the true vocal cords?
A. They are tightly adducted to prevent air from entering the trachea
B. They are widely abducted to create a large opening for airflow
C. They are slightly abducted, forming a triangular opening called the rima glottidis
D. They are in a neutral intermediate position between full abduction and adduction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
During normal quiet breathing, the true vocal cords are slightly abducted, creating a triangular opening called
the rima glottidis that allows air to pass through the larynx. During forced inspiration, the cords abduct more
widely, and during phonation, they adduct and vibrate to produce sound.
Q5 Question 5 of 75
Q5. A pediatrician examines a 6-month-old infant with a barking cough and stridor, diagnosing
croup involving the subglottic region of the larynx. Why is this particular region especially
dangerous when it becomes inflamed in young children?
A. The subglottic region contains the vocal cords which can become paralyzed during inflammation
B. The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs through this area and is easily damaged by infection
C. The epiglottis in infants is more flexible and can obstruct the glottis when swollen
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3
, D. The cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring that cannot expand, so swelling narrows the airway
dramatically
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The cricoid cartilage is the only complete cartilaginous ring in the airway. In infants, this ring is the narrowest
portion of the upper airway. When the subglottic mucosa becomes inflamed, the swelling cannot be
accommodated by outward expansion of the cartilage, leading to rapid airway narrowing and the hallmark
stridor.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
Q6. A respiratory therapist is reviewing the bronchial tree anatomy with a patient who has a
right middle lobe pneumonia. The therapist explains that the right lung differs from the left lung
in several ways. Which anatomical difference is most relevant to the patient's right middle lobe
infection?
A. The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left, directing aspirated material
to the right lung
B. The right lung has three lobes separated by the horizontal and oblique fissures, while the left has two
C. The right lung has a cardiac notch that compresses the middle lobe against the mediastinum
D. The left lung has a lingula that is anatomically equivalent to the right middle lobe
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertically oriented compared to the left main bronchus.
This anatomical arrangement makes the right lung, particularly the right middle and lower lobes, more
susceptible to aspirated material and foreign bodies. While the right lung does have three lobes, the
bronchial anatomy is the primary factor in the distribution of infection.
Q7 Question 7 of 75
Q7. A histology student is examining a cross-section of lung tissue under a microscope and
identifies structures composed of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium surrounded by
a dense capillary network. These structures are the primary sites of gas exchange in the lungs.
What are these structures called?
A. Bronchioles, which are the smallest conducting airways before the alveolar ducts
B. Respiratory bronchioles, which contain scattered alveoli along their walls
C. Terminal bronchioles, which mark the transition from conducting to respiratory zones
D. Alveoli, which are thin-walled sacs surrounded by pulmonary capillaries for gas exchange
Correct Answer: D
BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab | Module 4 Exam Review - Summary | LockDown Browser | Portage Learning -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4
