,BIOL252/BIOL 252 Module 5 Exam | Human Anatomy &
Physiology II w/ Lab | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition (PDF)
**1. Which of the following is the primary function of the respiratory system?**
A) Transport of nutrients to tissues
B) Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and blood
C) Regulation of blood pH through bicarbonate buffering
D) Production of sound and speech
Correct Answer: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and blood
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange: delivering oxygen from the
atmosphere to the blood and eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood to the atmosphere. While the
respiratory system also contributes to pH regulation and phonation, these are secondary functions.
**2. What are the two functional zones of the respiratory system?**
A) Upper tract and lower tract
B) Conducting zone and respiratory zone
C) Ventilation zone and perfusion zone
D) Pleural zone and alveolar zone
Correct Answer: Conducting zone and respiratory zone
Rationale: The respiratory system is functionally divided into the conducting zone (passages that
transport air) and the respiratory zone (where gas exchange occurs). The conducting zone includes the
nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles; the respiratory zone includes respiratory
bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
**3. Which of the following structures is part of the upper respiratory tract?**
A) Trachea
,B) Bronchi
C) Pharynx
D) Alveoli
Correct Answer: Pharynx
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. The
trachea, bronchi, and alveoli are considered part of the lower respiratory tract. The pharynx serves as a
common passageway for both air and food.
**4. Which of the following structures is part of the lower respiratory tract?**
A) Nasal cavity
B) Pharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The
nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx are considered part of the upper respiratory tract. The trachea
conducts air from the larynx to the bronchi.
**5. The nasal cavity is lined with which type of epithelium?**
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Stratified squamous epithelium
C) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
D) Simple cuboidal epithelium
Correct Answer: Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
, Rationale: The nasal cavity is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, which contains
goblet cells that secrete mucus. The cilia help trap and propel particles toward the pharynx for removal.
This epithelium is typical of the conducting zone.
**6. What is the primary function of the mucus produced in the nasal cavity?**
A) Warming incoming air
B) Humidifying incoming air
C) Trapping dust, pathogens, and debris
D) Producing antibodies
Correct Answer: Trapping dust, pathogens, and debris
Rationale: Mucus produced by goblet cells in the nasal cavity traps dust, pathogens, and other particles,
preventing them from reaching the lungs. The cilia then sweep the mucus toward the pharynx to be
swallowed or expelled. Mucus also contributes to humidification but its primary immune function is
trapping particles.
**7. The paranasal sinuses are located within which bones?**
A) Frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones
B) Temporal, occipital, parietal, and frontal bones
C) Maxillary, mandibular, zygomatic, and palatine bones
D) Sphenoid, occipital, temporal, and ethmoid bones
Correct Answer: Frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones
Rationale: The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and
ethmoid bones. They lighten the skull, warm and humidify air, and contribute to voice resonance. They
are named for the bones in which they are located.
**8. The pharynx is divided into which three regions?**
A) Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
Physiology II w/ Lab | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition (PDF)
**1. Which of the following is the primary function of the respiratory system?**
A) Transport of nutrients to tissues
B) Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and blood
C) Regulation of blood pH through bicarbonate buffering
D) Production of sound and speech
Correct Answer: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and blood
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange: delivering oxygen from the
atmosphere to the blood and eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood to the atmosphere. While the
respiratory system also contributes to pH regulation and phonation, these are secondary functions.
**2. What are the two functional zones of the respiratory system?**
A) Upper tract and lower tract
B) Conducting zone and respiratory zone
C) Ventilation zone and perfusion zone
D) Pleural zone and alveolar zone
Correct Answer: Conducting zone and respiratory zone
Rationale: The respiratory system is functionally divided into the conducting zone (passages that
transport air) and the respiratory zone (where gas exchange occurs). The conducting zone includes the
nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles; the respiratory zone includes respiratory
bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
**3. Which of the following structures is part of the upper respiratory tract?**
A) Trachea
,B) Bronchi
C) Pharynx
D) Alveoli
Correct Answer: Pharynx
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. The
trachea, bronchi, and alveoli are considered part of the lower respiratory tract. The pharynx serves as a
common passageway for both air and food.
**4. Which of the following structures is part of the lower respiratory tract?**
A) Nasal cavity
B) Pharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The
nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx are considered part of the upper respiratory tract. The trachea
conducts air from the larynx to the bronchi.
**5. The nasal cavity is lined with which type of epithelium?**
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Stratified squamous epithelium
C) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
D) Simple cuboidal epithelium
Correct Answer: Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
, Rationale: The nasal cavity is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, which contains
goblet cells that secrete mucus. The cilia help trap and propel particles toward the pharynx for removal.
This epithelium is typical of the conducting zone.
**6. What is the primary function of the mucus produced in the nasal cavity?**
A) Warming incoming air
B) Humidifying incoming air
C) Trapping dust, pathogens, and debris
D) Producing antibodies
Correct Answer: Trapping dust, pathogens, and debris
Rationale: Mucus produced by goblet cells in the nasal cavity traps dust, pathogens, and other particles,
preventing them from reaching the lungs. The cilia then sweep the mucus toward the pharynx to be
swallowed or expelled. Mucus also contributes to humidification but its primary immune function is
trapping particles.
**7. The paranasal sinuses are located within which bones?**
A) Frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones
B) Temporal, occipital, parietal, and frontal bones
C) Maxillary, mandibular, zygomatic, and palatine bones
D) Sphenoid, occipital, temporal, and ethmoid bones
Correct Answer: Frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones
Rationale: The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and
ethmoid bones. They lighten the skull, warm and humidify air, and contribute to voice resonance. They
are named for the bones in which they are located.
**8. The pharynx is divided into which three regions?**
A) Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
