,BIOL 252 Module 5 Exam | Human Anatomy &
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The respiratory system is divided into the upper and lower tracts. Which
structure marks the beginning of the lower respiratory tract?
A) Larynx
B) Trachea
C) Pharynx
D) Bronchi
Correct Answer: A) Larynx
Rationale: The larynx is the dividing point; above it is the upper tract (nose,
pharynx), below is the lower tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs). The trachea begins
below the larynx, while the pharynx is entirely in the upper tract.
2. The correct sequence of airflow during inspiration is:
A) Pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
B) Larynx → pharynx → trachea → alveoli → bronchi
C) Bronchi → trachea → larynx → pharynx → alveoli
D) Alveoli → bronchioles → bronchi → trachea → pharynx
Correct Answer: A) Pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles →
alveoli
,Rationale: Air enters the nose or mouth, passes through the pharynx, then the
larynx, continues down the trachea, into the branching bronchi, smaller
bronchioles, and finally reaches the alveoli for gas exchange.
3. The trachea is kept open by:
A) C‑shaped cartilage rings
B) Smooth muscle rings
C) Complete circular cartilage plates
D) Elastic fibers only
Correct Answer: C) C‑shaped cartilage rings
Rationale: C‑shaped hyaline cartilage rings prevent the trachea from collapsing
during inhalation. The open posterior part faces the esophagus, allowing it to
expand during swallowing. Complete rings would restrict that expansion.
4. The site of gas exchange in the lungs is the:
A) Trachea
B) Bronchi
C) Bronchioles
D) Alveoli
Correct Answer: D) Alveoli
, Rationale: Alveoli are tiny air sacs surrounded by pulmonary capillaries. Their
simple squamous epithelium and close association with capillaries allow rapid
diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood.
5. The serous membrane covering the surface of the lungs is the:
A) Visceral pleura
B) Parietal pleura
C) Pericardium
D) Peritoneum
Correct Answer: A) Visceral pleura
Rationale: The visceral pleura adheres directly to the lung tissue, while the
parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity. The fluid between them reduces friction
during breathing. Pericardium covers the heart; peritoneum lines the abdominal
cavity.
6. The pleural cavity is best described as the:
A) Space within the lungs
B) Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura
C) Hollow center of the trachea
D) Interior of the alveoli
Correct Answer: B) Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The respiratory system is divided into the upper and lower tracts. Which
structure marks the beginning of the lower respiratory tract?
A) Larynx
B) Trachea
C) Pharynx
D) Bronchi
Correct Answer: A) Larynx
Rationale: The larynx is the dividing point; above it is the upper tract (nose,
pharynx), below is the lower tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs). The trachea begins
below the larynx, while the pharynx is entirely in the upper tract.
2. The correct sequence of airflow during inspiration is:
A) Pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
B) Larynx → pharynx → trachea → alveoli → bronchi
C) Bronchi → trachea → larynx → pharynx → alveoli
D) Alveoli → bronchioles → bronchi → trachea → pharynx
Correct Answer: A) Pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles →
alveoli
,Rationale: Air enters the nose or mouth, passes through the pharynx, then the
larynx, continues down the trachea, into the branching bronchi, smaller
bronchioles, and finally reaches the alveoli for gas exchange.
3. The trachea is kept open by:
A) C‑shaped cartilage rings
B) Smooth muscle rings
C) Complete circular cartilage plates
D) Elastic fibers only
Correct Answer: C) C‑shaped cartilage rings
Rationale: C‑shaped hyaline cartilage rings prevent the trachea from collapsing
during inhalation. The open posterior part faces the esophagus, allowing it to
expand during swallowing. Complete rings would restrict that expansion.
4. The site of gas exchange in the lungs is the:
A) Trachea
B) Bronchi
C) Bronchioles
D) Alveoli
Correct Answer: D) Alveoli
, Rationale: Alveoli are tiny air sacs surrounded by pulmonary capillaries. Their
simple squamous epithelium and close association with capillaries allow rapid
diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood.
5. The serous membrane covering the surface of the lungs is the:
A) Visceral pleura
B) Parietal pleura
C) Pericardium
D) Peritoneum
Correct Answer: A) Visceral pleura
Rationale: The visceral pleura adheres directly to the lung tissue, while the
parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity. The fluid between them reduces friction
during breathing. Pericardium covers the heart; peritoneum lines the abdominal
cavity.
6. The pleural cavity is best described as the:
A) Space within the lungs
B) Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura
C) Hollow center of the trachea
D) Interior of the alveoli
Correct Answer: B) Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura
