BIOL 252 Human Anatomy &
Physiology II w/Lab | Module 5 Exam
Review
150 Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
Portage Learning | LockDown Browser | 2026/2027 Edition
Instructions
This comprehensive test bank contains 150 questions covering key concepts for the BIOL 252
Human Anatomy & Physiology II Module 5 Exam at Portage Learning. Questions focus on the
respiratory system, including anatomy, physiology, gas exchange, and respiratory disorders.
Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed rationale .
SECTION 1: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ANATOMY (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
Identify the structure labeled B in the diagram of the upper respiratory tract.
A) Nasopharynx
B) Oropharynx
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal conchae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nasopharynx serves only as an air passageway and is the region of the pharynx
at the back of the nose. It is located superior to the oropharynx and contains the pharyngeal
tonsils .
Question 2
,Which structure is responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying incoming air before it
reaches the lungs?
A) Nasal conchae
B) Pharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nasal conchae (superior, middle, and inferior) are bony projections in the nasal
cavity that increase surface area, causing air to swirl and be warmed, humidified, and filtered by
the mucous membrane .
Question 3
The area labeled C in the diagram represents which structure that is shared by both the
respiratory and digestive systems?
A) Nasopharynx
B) Oropharynx
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal conchae
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The oropharynx is the area directly behind the mouth. It serves as part of both the
digestive and respiratory systems, allowing passage of air and food .
Question 4
Identify the structure labeled D.
A) Larynx
B) Esophagus
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal cavity
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The laryngopharynx is the third division of the pharynx, located inferior to the
oropharynx. It is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems and leads to the larynx
and esophagus .
Question 5
The external opening of the nasal passages is called the:
A) Internal nares
B) External nares (nostrils)
C) Pharyngeal cavity
D) Laryngeal vestibule
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The external nares (nostrils) are the external openings of the nasal passages. They
allow air to enter the nasal cavity where it is filtered and conditioned .
Question 6
Identify the highlighted area indicated by the arrow.
A) Larynx
B) Pharynx
C) Trachea
D) Esophagus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pharynx (throat) performs the swallowing action that passes food from the mouth
into the esophagus. It is a muscular tube that serves both respiratory and digestive functions .
Question 7
The paranasal sinuses are:
A) Air-containing cavities in the bones around the nose
B) Airways connecting bronchioles to alveoli
C) Air sacs in the lungs
D) Membranes surrounding the lungs
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The paranasal sinuses are air-containing cavities in the bones around the nose. They
include the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. They lighten the skull and
warm/humidify incoming air .
Question 8
Identify the highlighted structure that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.
A) Epiglottis
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Cricoid cartilage
D) Glottis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that seals off the windpipe (trachea) during
swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract .
Question 9
The wing-shaped plate of cartilage that sits anterior to the larynx and forms the "Adam's apple"
is the:
A) Cricoid cartilage
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Epiglottis
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal cartilage. Its anterior prominence forms
the "Adam's apple," which is more prominent in males due to hormonal influences on growth .
Question 10
The firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx is the:
A) Thyroid cartilage
B) Epiglottis
Physiology II w/Lab | Module 5 Exam
Review
150 Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
Portage Learning | LockDown Browser | 2026/2027 Edition
Instructions
This comprehensive test bank contains 150 questions covering key concepts for the BIOL 252
Human Anatomy & Physiology II Module 5 Exam at Portage Learning. Questions focus on the
respiratory system, including anatomy, physiology, gas exchange, and respiratory disorders.
Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed rationale .
SECTION 1: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ANATOMY (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
Identify the structure labeled B in the diagram of the upper respiratory tract.
A) Nasopharynx
B) Oropharynx
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal conchae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nasopharynx serves only as an air passageway and is the region of the pharynx
at the back of the nose. It is located superior to the oropharynx and contains the pharyngeal
tonsils .
Question 2
,Which structure is responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying incoming air before it
reaches the lungs?
A) Nasal conchae
B) Pharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nasal conchae (superior, middle, and inferior) are bony projections in the nasal
cavity that increase surface area, causing air to swirl and be warmed, humidified, and filtered by
the mucous membrane .
Question 3
The area labeled C in the diagram represents which structure that is shared by both the
respiratory and digestive systems?
A) Nasopharynx
B) Oropharynx
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal conchae
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The oropharynx is the area directly behind the mouth. It serves as part of both the
digestive and respiratory systems, allowing passage of air and food .
Question 4
Identify the structure labeled D.
A) Larynx
B) Esophagus
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Nasal cavity
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The laryngopharynx is the third division of the pharynx, located inferior to the
oropharynx. It is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems and leads to the larynx
and esophagus .
Question 5
The external opening of the nasal passages is called the:
A) Internal nares
B) External nares (nostrils)
C) Pharyngeal cavity
D) Laryngeal vestibule
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The external nares (nostrils) are the external openings of the nasal passages. They
allow air to enter the nasal cavity where it is filtered and conditioned .
Question 6
Identify the highlighted area indicated by the arrow.
A) Larynx
B) Pharynx
C) Trachea
D) Esophagus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pharynx (throat) performs the swallowing action that passes food from the mouth
into the esophagus. It is a muscular tube that serves both respiratory and digestive functions .
Question 7
The paranasal sinuses are:
A) Air-containing cavities in the bones around the nose
B) Airways connecting bronchioles to alveoli
C) Air sacs in the lungs
D) Membranes surrounding the lungs
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The paranasal sinuses are air-containing cavities in the bones around the nose. They
include the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. They lighten the skull and
warm/humidify incoming air .
Question 8
Identify the highlighted structure that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.
A) Epiglottis
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Cricoid cartilage
D) Glottis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that seals off the windpipe (trachea) during
swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract .
Question 9
The wing-shaped plate of cartilage that sits anterior to the larynx and forms the "Adam's apple"
is the:
A) Cricoid cartilage
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Epiglottis
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal cartilage. Its anterior prominence forms
the "Adam's apple," which is more prominent in males due to hormonal influences on growth .
Question 10
The firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx is the:
A) Thyroid cartilage
B) Epiglottis
