Question 1

If the auditory tubes were blocked, it could make an airplane flight very uncomfortable.

Accepted Answer

Auditory tubes are responsible for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. If they are blocked, pressure in the middle ear can't adjust properly, leading to discomfort and even pain during airplane flights or changes in altitude.

Question 2

The auditory tubes connect the middle ear and the oropharynx.

Accepted Answer

The auditory tubes, also known as Eustachian tubes, connect the middle ear to the nasopharynx, not the oropharynx.

Question 3

When a person is winded and breathing through the mouth, the inspired air has a higher level of humidity because of the higher amount of moisture in the mouth.

Accepted Answer

When a person is winded and breathing through the mouth, the inspired air has a lower level of humidity because the air bypasses the nasal cavity which is responsible for humidifying the air. As a result, the mouth breathing causes the inspired air to be drier.

Question 4

Irritants such as cigarette smoke stimulate mucus production and cilia activity in an effort to help clear the respiratory tract.

Accepted Answer

Irritants like cigarette smoke increase mucus production but impair cilia activity, hindering the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Question 5

It is possible for a sinus infection to infect the brain.

Accepted Answer

If a sinus infection spreads beyond the sinuses and into the surrounding areas, it can potentially spread to the brain through the blood vessels or the bony structures of the skull. This can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and brain abscesses. However, it is important to note that such complications are rare and typically only occur in severe or untreated cases of sinus infections.

Question 6

From superior to inferior, the parts of the pharynx are oropharynx, nasopharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Accepted Answer

From superior to inferior, the parts of the pharynx are nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Question 7

The functions of the conchae include warming and humidifying inspired air.

Accepted Answer

The conchae are bony projections in the nasal cavity that help to increase the surface area and turbulence of inspired air. This facilitates warming and humidification of inspired air, as well as filtering out large particles and pathogens.

Question 8

The paranasal sinuses drain into the pharynx.

Accepted Answer

The paranasal sinuses drain into the nasal cavity, not directly into the pharynx.

Question 9

The pharynx contains tonsils.

Accepted Answer

The pharynx contains three sets of tonsils - the adenoids or nasopharyngeal tonsils, the palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsils.

Question 10

A person with severe respiratory problems may be put on a ventilator and have oxygen supplied through a tube in the trachea. The oxygen must be "bubbled" through water to replace one of the functions of the upper respiratory tract.

Accepted Answer

Oxygen must be humidified, or "bubbled" through water, in order to replace the function of the upper respiratory tract, which normally serves to warm and moisten incoming air. This helps to prevent damage to the delicate tissues of the lungs and airways.

Question 11

Tears drain into the nasal cavity.

Accepted Answer

Tears drain into the nasal cavity through a small duct called the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the eyes and nose.

Question 12

The cilia found in the lower part of the respiratory system push contaminated mucus up to the pharynx.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The cilia in the lower respiratory system, along with mucus-producing cells, form the mucociliary escalator which helps to clear debris and contaminants from the lungs. The cilia beat in a coordinated fashion to push the mucus containing the contaminants up toward the throat where it can be either coughed up or swallowed.

Question 13

One of the functions of the mucous blanket is the removal of contaminants from inhaled air.

Accepted Answer

The mucous blanket in the respiratory system traps contaminants such as dust, pollen, and bacteria, which are then moved upward by cilia and either coughed out or swallowed. This helps to prevent these contaminants from reaching the lungs.

Question 14

The pharynx may also be called the throat.

Accepted Answer

True, the pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus and larynx, and is commonly referred to as the throat.

Question 15

The pharynx is actually part of two body systems.

Accepted Answer

The pharynx is part of both the respiratory and digestive systems.

Question 16

The upper respiratory tract refers to structures that are outside the chest cavity.

Accepted Answer

The upper respiratory tract includes structures such as the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea, all of which are located outside of the chest cavity (which contains the lungs, bronchi, and other lower respiratory structures).

Question 17

The nasal septum divides the right and left paranasal sinuses.

Accepted Answer

The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into two separate passages, but it does not directly separate the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses are located in various parts of the facial bones surrounding the nasal cavity.

Question 18

Larynx is another name for pharynx.

Accepted Answer

The larynx is a separate structure from the pharynx. The larynx is also known as the voice box while the pharynx is part of the digestive and respiratory systems.

Question 19

External nares is another name for nostrils.

Accepted Answer

Yes, external nares and nostrils are synonyms and refer to the two openings of the nose through which air enters and exits the nasal cavity.

Question 20

The mucous blanket covers all of the structures of the respiratory system except the epiglottis.

Accepted Answer

The mucous blanket covers all of the structures of the respiratory system including the epiglottis.

Quiz 17: Respiratory System