24 Respiratory System Trivia Questions

The respiratory system is a vital part of our body, responsible for supplying oxygen to our cells and expelling carbon dioxide. 

But how much do you really know about the ins and outs of the system?

Test your knowledge with these questions and find out yourself. 

Respiratory System Trivia Questions

1. What is the primary muscle of respiration and what are its two types of innervation?
   
   
2. Describe the gas exchange process in the alveoli, including the names of the gases exchanged and the mechanism by which the exchange occurs.
   
   
3. What is the anatomical difference between the right and left lungs in humans?
   
   
4. Name the four major processes of respiration and briefly describe each.
   
   
5. What is the role of surfactant in the lungs, and what can happen if it is deficient in a newborn?
   
   
6. Explain the significance of the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in arterial blood gases (ABGs) analysis.
   
   
7. Describe the Bohr effect and its physiological significance.
   
   
8. What is the primary function of the nasal conchae (or turbinates) in the respiratory system?
   
   
9. How does the respiratory system adjust during exercise to meet increased oxygen demand?
   
   
10. What is the Haldane effect, and how does it facilitate the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood?
    
    
11. What is the functional difference between type I and type II alveolar cells in the lungs?
    
    
12. Explain the role of the respiratory center in the brainstem and its components in regulating breathing.
    
    
13. What is the anatomical significance of the pulmonary circulation and how does it differ from systemic circulation?
    
    
14. Describe the mechanism of action and effects of carbonic anhydrase in the respiratory system.
    
    
15. How does high altitude affect oxygen transport and what physiological adaptations occur in response?
    
    
16. What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and what are the two primary conditions that it encompasses?
    
    
17. How do the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work together to regulate acid-base balance in the body?
    
    
18. What is the significance of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, and how do factors like temperature, pH, and CO2 levels affect it?
    
    
19. Explain the concept of dead space in the respiratory system and differentiate between anatomical and physiological dead space.
    
    
20. How does smoking affect the respiratory system and increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases?
    
    
21. What are the primary functions of the larynx in the respiratory system?
    
    
22. Describe the pathophysiology of asthma and the role of inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
    
    
23. What is the role of pulmonary surfactant in maintaining alveolar stability, and how is it produced?
    
    
24. How does the respiratory system change with aging, and what are the implications for respiratory function?

Answers

1. The primary muscle of respiration is the diaphragm. Its two types of innervation are the phrenic nerve (motor innervation) and intercostal nerves (sensory innervation from the peripheral part).
   
   
2. Gas exchange in the alveoli involves the diffusion of oxygen (O2) from the air into the blood and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood into the air, following the gradient of partial pressures (Dalton’s law).
   
   
3. The right lung has three lobes (superior, middle, and inferior) and is larger, while the left lung has two lobes (superior and inferior) to accommodate the heart’s position.
   
   
4. The four major processes of respiration are ventilation (movement of air in and out of the lungs), gas exchange (between the lungs and the blood, and between the blood and the tissues), oxygen utilization by tissues, and transport of gases by the blood.
   
   
5. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse during expiration. Deficiency in a newborn, as seen in Respiratory Distress Syndrome, can lead to difficulty breathing and inadequate gas exchange.
   
   
6. PaO2 indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood, while PaCO2 indicates the amount of carbon dioxide. These values are crucial for assessing a person’s respiratory and metabolic status.
   
   
7. The Bohr effect describes the decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen caused by an increase in carbon dioxide or decrease in pH, facilitating oxygen release in tissues.
   
   
8. The primary function of the nasal conchae is to increase the surface area of the nasal passages, enhancing air humidification, warming, and filtration.
   
   
9. During exercise, respiratory adjustments include increased respiratory rate and depth (tidal volume), enhancing alveolar ventilation and gas exchange to meet the body’s increased oxygen demand.
   
   
10. The Haldane effect describes how deoxygenation of blood increases its capacity to carry carbon dioxide, facilitating the transport of CO2 from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.
    
    
11. Type I alveolar cells provide the structure for gas exchange, while type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, reducing surface tension and preventing alveolar collapse.
    
    
12. The respiratory center, located in the brainstem, consists of the medullary respiratory center (regulating basic rhythm of respiration) and the pontine respiratory group (modifying the rate and pattern of breathing).
    
    
13. Pulmonary circulation carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the left atrium, differing from systemic circulation, which supplies oxygenated blood to the body.
    
    
14. Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, facilitating CO2 transport and acid-base balance.
    
    
15. High altitude decreases oxygen availability, leading to increased breathing rate, higher red blood cell production (polycythemia), and increased capillary density for improved oxygen transport and utilization.
    
    
16. COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstructed airflow from the lungs, primarily encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
    
    
17. The respiratory system regulates pH by adjusting CO2 levels through breathing, while the cardiovascular system alters bicarbonate concentration through renal mechanisms, together maintaining acid-base balance.
    
    
18. The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve represents the relationship between oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen. Factors like temperature, pH, and CO2 levels shift the curve, affecting oxygen binding and release.
    
    
19. Dead space refers to areas where gas exchange does not occur; anatomical dead space is in the airways, while physiological dead space includes both anatomical dead space and any alveoli not participating in gas exchange.
    
    
20. Smoking damages the respiratory system by impairing cilia function, increasing mucus production, causing inflammation and tissue damage, and increasing the risk of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
    
    
21. The larynx functions in voice production, provides an airway, and acts as a switching mechanism to direct air and food into the proper channels.
    
    
22. Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing due to bronchoconstriction.
    
    
23. Pulmonary surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse and ensuring ease of lung expansion.
    
    
24. With aging, the respiratory system experiences decreased lung function, reduced chest wall elasticity, muscle strength decline, and diminished ciliary and immune function, increasing vulnerability to respiratory conditions.