,BIOL252/BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab
Module 5 Exam | Portage Learning | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. The primary function of the respiratory system is to:
A) Transport nutrients to the body's cells
B) Regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
C) Supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide
D) Digest food and absorb nutrients
Correct Answer: Supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide
Rationale: Gas exchange—obtaining oxygen (O₂) for cellular metabolism and disposing of carbon dioxide
(CO₂)—is the main function of the respiratory system. The cardiovascular system transports nutrients,
the urinary system regulates fluid balance, and the digestive system processes food.
2. The upper respiratory tract includes all of the following structures EXCEPT the:
A) Nose
B) Nasal cavity
C) Pharynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx. The
trachea is the first structure of the lower respiratory tract, which also includes the larynx, bronchi,
bronchioles, and alveoli.
3. Which type of epithelial tissue lines the alveoli to facilitate rapid gas exchange?
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Simple cuboidal epithelium
C) Stratified squamous epithelium
,D) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Correct Answer: Simple squamous epithelium
Rationale: Simple squamous epithelium is a thin, single layer of flat cells that allows for rapid diffusion of
gases across the respiratory membrane. This structural adaptation maximizes the efficiency of gas
exchange between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries.
4. Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration during quiet breathing?
A) External intercostals
B) Internal intercostals
C) Diaphragm
D) Abdominals
Correct Answer: Diaphragm
Rationale: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that flattens upon contraction, increasing thoracic
volume and decreasing intrapulmonary pressure, drawing air into the lungs. The external intercostals
assist during inspiration, while the internal intercostals and abdominals are used during forced
expiration.
5. The flap of cartilage that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is the:
A) Epiglottis
B) Glottis
C) Uvula
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Correct Answer: Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap that covers the laryngeal opening (glottis) during
swallowing, directing food into the esophagus and protecting the airway. The glottis is the opening
, between the vocal cords, the uvula hangs from the soft palate, and arytenoid cartilages anchor the vocal
cords.
6. According to Boyle's Law, during inspiration, an increase in thoracic volume results in:
A) An increase in intrapulmonary pressure
B) A decrease in intrapulmonary pressure
C) No change in intrapulmonary pressure
D) An increase in atmospheric pressure
Correct Answer: A decrease in intrapulmonary pressure
Rationale: Boyle's Law states that pressure and volume are inversely related (P₁V₁ = P₂V₂). During
inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing thoracic volume. This expansion causes
intrapulmonary pressure to drop below atmospheric pressure, creating a pressure gradient that draws
air into the lungs.
7. Which of the following is the correct order of airflow through the structures of the lower respiratory
tract?
A) Larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
B) Trachea → larynx → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
C) Larynx → bronchi → trachea → bronchioles → alveoli
D) Bronchi → trachea → larynx → bronchioles → alveoli
Correct Answer: Larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
Rationale: Air passes through the larynx into the trachea, which then branches into the right and left
primary bronchi. The bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli
where gas exchange occurs.
8. The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, quiet breath is called:
A) Inspiratory reserve volume
Module 5 Exam | Portage Learning | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. The primary function of the respiratory system is to:
A) Transport nutrients to the body's cells
B) Regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
C) Supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide
D) Digest food and absorb nutrients
Correct Answer: Supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide
Rationale: Gas exchange—obtaining oxygen (O₂) for cellular metabolism and disposing of carbon dioxide
(CO₂)—is the main function of the respiratory system. The cardiovascular system transports nutrients,
the urinary system regulates fluid balance, and the digestive system processes food.
2. The upper respiratory tract includes all of the following structures EXCEPT the:
A) Nose
B) Nasal cavity
C) Pharynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx. The
trachea is the first structure of the lower respiratory tract, which also includes the larynx, bronchi,
bronchioles, and alveoli.
3. Which type of epithelial tissue lines the alveoli to facilitate rapid gas exchange?
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Simple cuboidal epithelium
C) Stratified squamous epithelium
,D) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Correct Answer: Simple squamous epithelium
Rationale: Simple squamous epithelium is a thin, single layer of flat cells that allows for rapid diffusion of
gases across the respiratory membrane. This structural adaptation maximizes the efficiency of gas
exchange between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries.
4. Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration during quiet breathing?
A) External intercostals
B) Internal intercostals
C) Diaphragm
D) Abdominals
Correct Answer: Diaphragm
Rationale: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that flattens upon contraction, increasing thoracic
volume and decreasing intrapulmonary pressure, drawing air into the lungs. The external intercostals
assist during inspiration, while the internal intercostals and abdominals are used during forced
expiration.
5. The flap of cartilage that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is the:
A) Epiglottis
B) Glottis
C) Uvula
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Correct Answer: Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap that covers the laryngeal opening (glottis) during
swallowing, directing food into the esophagus and protecting the airway. The glottis is the opening
, between the vocal cords, the uvula hangs from the soft palate, and arytenoid cartilages anchor the vocal
cords.
6. According to Boyle's Law, during inspiration, an increase in thoracic volume results in:
A) An increase in intrapulmonary pressure
B) A decrease in intrapulmonary pressure
C) No change in intrapulmonary pressure
D) An increase in atmospheric pressure
Correct Answer: A decrease in intrapulmonary pressure
Rationale: Boyle's Law states that pressure and volume are inversely related (P₁V₁ = P₂V₂). During
inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing thoracic volume. This expansion causes
intrapulmonary pressure to drop below atmospheric pressure, creating a pressure gradient that draws
air into the lungs.
7. Which of the following is the correct order of airflow through the structures of the lower respiratory
tract?
A) Larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
B) Trachea → larynx → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
C) Larynx → bronchi → trachea → bronchioles → alveoli
D) Bronchi → trachea → larynx → bronchioles → alveoli
Correct Answer: Larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
Rationale: Air passes through the larynx into the trachea, which then branches into the right and left
primary bronchi. The bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli
where gas exchange occurs.
8. The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, quiet breath is called:
A) Inspiratory reserve volume
