Question 1

Three folds of tissue between the posterior base of the tongue and the epiglottis form a small space that is a key landmark in oral intubation. What is this called?

Accepted Answer

The three folds of tissue between the posterior base of the tongue and the epiglottis are known as the vallecula. This space is a critical landmark during oral intubation as it allows for proper placement of the endotracheal tube.

Question 2

What position is used to open the airway in an unconscious patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What position is used to open the...

Question 3

What can the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from the mast cells in the airways cause?
I.bronchoconstriction
II.bronchodilation
III.vasoconstriction
IV.vasodilation

Accepted Answer

Histamine release from mast cells can cause bronchoconstriction, making it harder to breathe by narrowing the airways, and vasodilation, increasing blood flow to areas, which is part of the inflammatory response.

Question 4

At what point does the trachea branch into two mainstem bronchi?

Accepted Answer

The carina is the point at which the trachea divides into two mainstem bronchi, which then branch off into the lungs.

Question 5

Identify functions of airway mucus in the normal lung.I.increased mucus production decreases bronchospasm II.protect the airways from excessive water loss
III.shield the airway from toxic particles
IV.trap inhaled contaminants

Accepted Answer

Airway mucus functions to protect the airways from excessive water loss, shield the airway from toxic particles, and trap inhaled contaminants. While increased mucus production may help to alleviate bronchospasm, it is not a primary function of airway mucus in the normal lung. Therefore, the best choice is B, which includes the three primary functions of airway mucus in the normal lung.

Question 6

What type of flow is seen in and beyond the terminal bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Laminar flow is seen in the terminal bronchioles and beyond due to the smaller airways and slower flow rate.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the terminal bronchioles is true?

Accepted Answer

Terminal bronchioles are the smallest purely conducting airways, as they lack gas exchange function. The diameter of the terminal bronchioles is around 0.5 mm. Hence, option B is the correct choice. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they present inaccurate information about the anatomy of terminal bronchioles.

Question 8

Changes in the tension on the vocal cords, allowing phonation, are produced by the interaction of the laryngeal muscles and the movement of which cartilage?

Accepted Answer

The arytenoid cartilages are key in changing the tension on the vocal cords for phonation, as they are directly involved in opening, closing, and adjusting the tension of the vocal folds through their movements and interaction with the laryngeal muscles.

Question 9

What is the most common cell type found in the mucosa of the larger airways?

Accepted Answer

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium is the most common cell type found in the mucosa of the larger airways, including the trachea and bronchi. This type of epithelium contains cilia and goblet cells to help move mucus and other particles out of the respiratory system.

Question 10

Why do most aspirated objects and fluids end up in the right mainstem bronchus instead of the left mainstem bronchus?

Accepted Answer

The right mainstem bronchus is more in line with the trachea, which means that aspirated objects and fluids are more likely to enter the right bronchus than the left. Additionally, the right bronchus is slightly larger in diameter than the left, further increasing the chances of aspiration occurring in this location. The length of the left bronchus is not a significant factor in the likelihood of aspiration.

Question 11

What is the leaf-shaped cartilage that extends from the base of the tongue and is attached by ligaments to the thyroid cartilage?

Accepted Answer

The leaf-shaped cartilage that extends from the base of the tongue and is attached by ligaments to the thyroid cartilage is called the epiglottis. The other options, including the arytenoid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and cuneiform cartilage, are all located in the larynx but are not attached to the tongue or thyroid cartilage in the same way as the epiglottis.

Question 12

The patency of small airways is maintained by which of the following mechanisms?
I.cartilaginous support
II.traction of surrounding elastic tissue
III.transmural pressure gradients

Accepted Answer

Small airways lack cartilaginous support but are maintained by the traction of surrounding elastic tissue and transmural pressure gradients. Choice A is incorrect because cartilaginous support is not present in small airways. Choice B is incorrect because although the traction of surrounding elastic tissue helps maintain patency, it is not the only mechanism involved. Choice D is incorrect because although all three mechanisms listed are involved in maintaining patency of small airways, cartilaginous support is not present in small airways.

Question 13

What is the common name given to classify the airway from the nares to the terminal bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

The common name given to classify the airway from the nares to the terminal bronchioles is conducting airways. These airways are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs and include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Answer: D 
 While conducting airways is the most specific term for the airway sections mentioned, the more general term of upper airway is also commonly used to describe this area. The upper airway includes the structures from the nares to the larynx, and is separated from the lower airway (which includes the bronchi and lungs) by the trachea.

Question 14

What is the name given to the action produced by the forward stroking of millions of cilia?

Accepted Answer

The mucociliary escalator is the name given to the action produced by the forward stroking of millions of cilia. This mechanism helps to clear mucus and foreign particles from the respiratory system.

Option A is incorrect because coughing is a reflexive response to irritation or blockage in the respiratory tract, while the mucociliary escalator is the mechanism involved in clearing mucus and foreign particles.

Option C is incorrect because there is no such term as "mucus stroking" commonly used in the description of respiratory system mechanics.

Option D is incorrect because "the wave" is a generic term that is not specific to the mucociliary escalator, and is often used to refer to different types of coordinated movement, for example, peristalsis in the digestive system.

Question 15

What portion of the left lung corresponds anatomically to the middle lobe of the right lung?

Accepted Answer

The lingula is a small tongue-shaped projection of the left lung, which corresponds to the middle lobe of the right lung. The cardiac notch is a concavity on the left lung's border and does not correspond to any part of the right lung. The medial and superior segments are parts of the left lung's upper lobe and do not correspond to the middle lobe of the right lung.

Question 16

What could the "effort closure" of the larynx facilitate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What could the "effort closure" of the...

Question 17

What is the major source of respiratory tract secretions in the normal lung?

Accepted Answer

Bronchial glands are the major source of respiratory tract secretions in the normal lung, producing mucus that helps trap and clear particles and pathogens.

Question 18

What is the space that separates the true vocal cords?

Accepted Answer

The space that separates the true vocal cords is known as the glottis. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing. The vallecula is a small depression between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis, and the vestibule is the space between the lips and the teeth.

Question 19

Which of the following can impair or inhibit ciliary activity?
I.drying of the respiratory tract mucosa
II.exposure to smoke
III.parasympatholytic drugs

Accepted Answer

I, II, and III can impair or inhibit ciliary activity. Drying of the respiratory tract mucosa can inhibit the cilia from moving mucus effectively. Exposure to smoke can damage cilia and reduce their ability to clear mucus and debris. Parasympatholytic drugs can inhibit the action of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can lead to decreased mucus production and potentially impair ciliary function.

Question 20

The adult trachea is approximately how long?

Accepted Answer

The adult trachea is approximately 10 to 12 cm long, serving as a vital part of the respiratory system by providing a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs.

Quiz 8: The Respiratory System