Chamberlain University
2M · 151 DOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
EST. 1889
E X C E L L E N C E · I N N O V AT I O N · I N T E G R I T Y · W O R L D C L A S S S E R V I C E
BIOD 151 Module 2 — Respiratory System Anatomy &
Physiology
CO M P L E T E ST U DY G U I D E W I T H Q U E ST I O N S & D E TA I L E D A N S W E RS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOD 151
PROGRAM Pre-Nursing / Anatomy & ACADEMIC YEAR
Physiology
EXAM TITLE BIOD 151 Module 2 — Respiratory TOTAL QUESTIONS 73 Questions
System Anatomy & Physiology
COURSE TITLE Essential Human Anatomy & FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Physiology I Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question.
▸ Anatomical structures, functions, and physiological processes are all testable content.
▸ Clinical correlations and applications are emphasized throughout.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for study purposes.
▸ All content reflects standard anatomy and physiology curriculum.
, SECTION I — RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ANATOMY &
Questions 1 – 73
PHYSIOLOGY
1. What are the three main functions of the respiratory system?
A. Vocalization, olfaction, and pH regulation
B. Air conduction, air filtration, and exchange of gases (respiration)
C. Warming, humidification, and filtration of air
D. Breathing, external respiration, and internal respiration
CORRECT ANSWER B — Air conduction, air filtration, and exchange of gases (respiration)
RATIONALE The three primary functions of the respiratory system are air conduction (moving
air in and out), air filtration (removing debris and pathogens), and gas exchange
(respiration) — the exchange of O2 and CO2 between air and blood. Other roles
include vocalization, olfaction, and pH regulation, but these are secondary
functions.
2. What happens to air as it goes from outside the body to the lungs?
A. Air is cooled to room temperature and dried out
B. Air is filtered to remove debris, warmed to body temperature, and humidified to become
saturated with water
C. Air is compressed and then expanded for gas exchange
D. Air is chemically modified to increase oxygen content
CORRECT ANSWER B — Air is filtered to remove debris, warmed to body temperature, and
humidified to become saturated with water
RATIONALE As air moves through the nasal cavity and respiratory passages, it undergoes
three conditioning processes: filtration (removal of debris via vibrissae and
mucus), warming (to body temperature via extensive vascularization), and
humidification (saturated with water vapor to protect respiratory surfaces). These
processes prepare air for safe gas exchange in the alveoli.
,3. What is the hilum of the lung?
A. The outer layer of the pleura
B. The "root" of the lung where structures enter and exit
C. The lower tip of the lung
D. The membrane that covers the lung surface
CORRECT ANSWER B — The "root" of the lung where structures enter and exit
RATIONALE The hilum (hilum pulmonis) is the root of the lung — the region on the medial
surface where the primary bronchus, pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins, nerves,
and lymphatic vessels enter and exit the lung. It serves as the attachment point
for these vital structures and is the gateway to the lung.
4. What are the three regions of the pharynx?
A. Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
B. Pharynx, larynx, and trachea
C. Nasal cavity, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cavity
D. Epipharynx, mesopharynx, and hypopharynx
CORRECT ANSWER A — Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
RATIONALE The pharynx is divided into three anatomical regions: nasopharynx (superior,
behind the nose, above the soft palate), oropharynx (middle, behind the mouth,
anterior to the epiglottis), and laryngopharynx (inferior, connecting to the larynx
and esophagus). Each region has distinct anatomical boundaries and functions.
, 5. What is the function of the pleurae?
A. They help reduce friction and help with inflation and inhalation; compartmentalize,
protect, and lubricate the lungs
B. They produce surfactant to keep alveoli open
C. They filter air entering the lungs
D. They exchange gases between air and blood
CORRECT ANSWER A — They help reduce friction and help with inflation and inhalation;
compartmentalize, protect, and lubricate the lungs
RATIONALE The pleurae have three main functions: reduce friction during breathing (via
lubricating pleural fluid), facilitate lung inflation and deflation (negative pressure
coupling), and compartmentalize/protect the lungs from infection and injury. The
serous fluid between pleural layers allows smooth, frictionless movement during
respiration.
6. What is the function of cilia in the respiratory epithelium?
A. To produce mucus for humidification
B. To sweep debris-laden mucus into the pharynx to be swallowed
C. To warm incoming air
D. To detect odors in the nasal cavity
CORRECT ANSWER B — To sweep debris-laden mucus into the pharynx to be swallowed
RATIONALE The cilia on respiratory epithelial cells beat in a coordinated, wave-like motion
(mucociliary escalator) to sweep mucus and trapped debris upward toward the
pharynx, where it is swallowed or expectorated. This is a crucial defense
mechanism that removes pathogens, dust, and particulates from the respiratory
tract.
2M · 151 DOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
EST. 1889
E X C E L L E N C E · I N N O V AT I O N · I N T E G R I T Y · W O R L D C L A S S S E R V I C E
BIOD 151 Module 2 — Respiratory System Anatomy &
Physiology
CO M P L E T E ST U DY G U I D E W I T H Q U E ST I O N S & D E TA I L E D A N S W E RS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOD 151
PROGRAM Pre-Nursing / Anatomy & ACADEMIC YEAR
Physiology
EXAM TITLE BIOD 151 Module 2 — Respiratory TOTAL QUESTIONS 73 Questions
System Anatomy & Physiology
COURSE TITLE Essential Human Anatomy & FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Physiology I Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question.
▸ Anatomical structures, functions, and physiological processes are all testable content.
▸ Clinical correlations and applications are emphasized throughout.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for study purposes.
▸ All content reflects standard anatomy and physiology curriculum.
, SECTION I — RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ANATOMY &
Questions 1 – 73
PHYSIOLOGY
1. What are the three main functions of the respiratory system?
A. Vocalization, olfaction, and pH regulation
B. Air conduction, air filtration, and exchange of gases (respiration)
C. Warming, humidification, and filtration of air
D. Breathing, external respiration, and internal respiration
CORRECT ANSWER B — Air conduction, air filtration, and exchange of gases (respiration)
RATIONALE The three primary functions of the respiratory system are air conduction (moving
air in and out), air filtration (removing debris and pathogens), and gas exchange
(respiration) — the exchange of O2 and CO2 between air and blood. Other roles
include vocalization, olfaction, and pH regulation, but these are secondary
functions.
2. What happens to air as it goes from outside the body to the lungs?
A. Air is cooled to room temperature and dried out
B. Air is filtered to remove debris, warmed to body temperature, and humidified to become
saturated with water
C. Air is compressed and then expanded for gas exchange
D. Air is chemically modified to increase oxygen content
CORRECT ANSWER B — Air is filtered to remove debris, warmed to body temperature, and
humidified to become saturated with water
RATIONALE As air moves through the nasal cavity and respiratory passages, it undergoes
three conditioning processes: filtration (removal of debris via vibrissae and
mucus), warming (to body temperature via extensive vascularization), and
humidification (saturated with water vapor to protect respiratory surfaces). These
processes prepare air for safe gas exchange in the alveoli.
,3. What is the hilum of the lung?
A. The outer layer of the pleura
B. The "root" of the lung where structures enter and exit
C. The lower tip of the lung
D. The membrane that covers the lung surface
CORRECT ANSWER B — The "root" of the lung where structures enter and exit
RATIONALE The hilum (hilum pulmonis) is the root of the lung — the region on the medial
surface where the primary bronchus, pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins, nerves,
and lymphatic vessels enter and exit the lung. It serves as the attachment point
for these vital structures and is the gateway to the lung.
4. What are the three regions of the pharynx?
A. Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
B. Pharynx, larynx, and trachea
C. Nasal cavity, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cavity
D. Epipharynx, mesopharynx, and hypopharynx
CORRECT ANSWER A — Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
RATIONALE The pharynx is divided into three anatomical regions: nasopharynx (superior,
behind the nose, above the soft palate), oropharynx (middle, behind the mouth,
anterior to the epiglottis), and laryngopharynx (inferior, connecting to the larynx
and esophagus). Each region has distinct anatomical boundaries and functions.
, 5. What is the function of the pleurae?
A. They help reduce friction and help with inflation and inhalation; compartmentalize,
protect, and lubricate the lungs
B. They produce surfactant to keep alveoli open
C. They filter air entering the lungs
D. They exchange gases between air and blood
CORRECT ANSWER A — They help reduce friction and help with inflation and inhalation;
compartmentalize, protect, and lubricate the lungs
RATIONALE The pleurae have three main functions: reduce friction during breathing (via
lubricating pleural fluid), facilitate lung inflation and deflation (negative pressure
coupling), and compartmentalize/protect the lungs from infection and injury. The
serous fluid between pleural layers allows smooth, frictionless movement during
respiration.
6. What is the function of cilia in the respiratory epithelium?
A. To produce mucus for humidification
B. To sweep debris-laden mucus into the pharynx to be swallowed
C. To warm incoming air
D. To detect odors in the nasal cavity
CORRECT ANSWER B — To sweep debris-laden mucus into the pharynx to be swallowed
RATIONALE The cilia on respiratory epithelial cells beat in a coordinated, wave-like motion
(mucociliary escalator) to sweep mucus and trapped debris upward toward the
pharynx, where it is swallowed or expectorated. This is a crucial defense
mechanism that removes pathogens, dust, and particulates from the respiratory
tract.
