Respiratory System Review Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on respiratory system questions, structures, physiological mechanics, and cystic fibrosis genetics.

Which of the following is not an area of the conducting zone? A: Nasal cavity B: Larynx C: Alveoli D: Trachea

C: Alveoli

Explanation: The conducting zone carries air into the lungs. Alveoli belong to the respiratory zone where gas exchange takes place.

Which of the following structures is only involved in respiration? A: Laryngopharynx B: Mouth C: Oropharynx D: Nasopharynx

D: Nasopharynx

Explanation: The nasopharynx carries air exclusively. The mouth, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx serve as shared pathways for food and air.

Which of the following cells in the lung is a macrophage? A: Dust Cells B: Alveolar type I C: Alveolar type II D: Fibroblasts

A: Dust Cells

Explanation: Dust cells are immune macrophages in the alveoli that engulf dust particles and microbes.

Bringing air into the lungs is known as what? A: Expiration B: Inspiration C: Ventilation D: Air flow

B: Inspiration

Explanation: Inspiration is inhaling air into the lungs, while expiration is exhaling air.

If the volume of the lungs increases, pressure will: A: Decrease B: Increase C: Stay the same D: Double

A: Decrease

Explanation: According to Boyle's law, as volume increases, pressure decreases.

When Alveolar type II cells are stimulated to produce more surfactant, this will _____ compliance, thereby _____ resistance and _____ overall airflow. A: Decrease, reducing, reducing B: Increase, increasing, reducing C: Increase, reducing, increasing D: Decrease, reducing, increasing

C: Increase, reducing, increasing

Explanation: Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, increasing compliance, reducing resistance, and increasing airflow.

In the alveoli, partial pressure of oxygen is _____, which allows it to diffuse down its concentration gradient into blood. A: Highest B: Lowest C: Equal to blood

A: Highest

Explanation: Oxygen pressure is highest in the alveoli, driving diffusion into lower-pressure venous blood.

Cystic fibrosis occurs when there is a mutation in genes regulating _____ channels. A: Calcium B: Potassium C: Sodium D: Chloride

D: Chloride

Explanation: Faulty chloride channels disrupt fluid balance, producing thick, sticky mucus.

True or False: The conducting zone of the respiratory system is exclusively for respiratory function.

False

Explanation: The conducting zone routes, warms, and filters air; gas exchange occurs only in the respiratory zone.

What is the function of nasal sinuses?

Warm, humidify, and filter air, reduce skull weight, and provide voice resonance.

Explain why there is different epithelia observed in the larynx.

The larynx has different epithelia because some areas need cilia to move mucus, while the vocal folds need thicker layers to protect them from friction during speaking.

What is the mucociliary escalator?

A defense mechanism where cilia sweep mucus and trapped debris upward out of the airways.

Explain the difference between a bronchus and a bronchiole.

Bronchi contain cartilage rings and glands, while smaller bronchioles lack cartilage and have smooth muscle to control airflow.

What protein is found in mucus? What is its function?

Mucin; it absorbs water to form a sticky gel that traps pathogens and debris.

Where is visceral pleura found?

Directly covering the outer surface of the lungs.

What is the function of alveolar type I cells?

Thin squamous cells that form the primary site for rapid gas exchange in the alveoli.

Due to pressure, which zone of the lung has the most blood flow?

Zone 3 (base of the lung), where hydrostatic blood pressure exceeds alveolar pressure.

What does airflow depend on?

Airflow depends on pressure differences and airway resistance.

What is oxygen reserve?

Oxygen reserve is the oxygen that stays attached to hemoglobin after blood passes through your body’s tissues.

What are the implications of cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus that blocks the airways, traps bacteria, and leads to frequent lung infections and difficulty breathing. (Respiratory failure)