1
A&P 1 101 Module 2 Exam Questions and Answers
Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Edition.
DOMAIN 1: RESPIRATORY ANATOMY (10 Questions)
Sub-Topic: Upper Respiratory Tract (4 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice)
Which specific type of epithelium lines the nasal cavity and functions to warm, humidify, and
filter incoming air?
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells
C) Stratified squamous epithelium
D) Simple cuboidal epithelium
Answer: B) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells [CORRECT]
Rationale: The nasal cavity is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium containing
goblet cells, which is part of the respiratory mucosa. The goblet cells secrete mucus that traps
inhaled particulate matter, pathogens, and debris, while the cilia sweep this mucus toward the
pharynx for swallowing. This epithelium also contains a rich network of superficial blood vessels
that warm the incoming air and serous glands that add moisture, fulfilling all three protective
functions required by the Portage Learning respiratory system module.
Question 2 (Multiple-Choice)
A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and a sensation of "something stuck" in the throat.
During examination, the physician notes inflammation in the region posterior to the nasal cavity
and superior to the soft palate. Which specific region of the pharynx is affected?
A) Oropharynx
B) Laryngopharynx
, 2
C) Nasopharynx
D) Hypopharynx
Answer: C) Nasopharynx [CORRECT]
Rationale: The nasopharynx is the superior-most region of the pharynx, located directly
posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate. It serves as a passageway for air
only and contains the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids). The oropharynx lies posterior to the oral
cavity, and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx) extends from the hyoid bone to the esophagus.
The anatomical description in the question precisely matches the nasopharynx location as
taught in the Portage Learning A&P 1 101 Module 2 curriculum on upper respiratory tract
anatomy.
Question 3 (True/False)
The epiglottis is composed of hyaline cartilage and remains open during both breathing and
swallowing to allow continuous airflow.
Answer: False [CORRECT]
Rationale: The epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage, not hyaline cartilage. Its primary
function is to close over the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) during swallowing,
preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea and directing them into the esophagus
instead. During normal breathing, the epiglottis remains open to allow air passage. The elastic
nature of its cartilage allows it to spring back into position after each swallow. This is a critical
protective mechanism of the upper respiratory tract emphasized in Portage Learning Module 2.
Question 4 (Fill-in-the-Blank)
Label the following structures of the upper respiratory tract by writing the correct anatomical
term in each blank:
The ____________ (A) is the posterior nasal aperture that connects the nasal cavity to the
nasopharynx. The ____________ (B) is the lymphoid tissue located on the posterior wall of the
nasopharynx. During swallowing, the ____________ (C) closes over the glottis to prevent
, 3
aspiration. The region of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity and contains the
palatine tonsils is called the ____________ (D).
Answer:
A) Choana (or internal nares) [CORRECT]
B) Pharyngeal tonsil (or adenoid) [CORRECT]
C) Epiglottis [CORRECT]
D) Oropharynx [CORRECT]
Rationale:
• Choana (A): The choanae (singular: choana), also called the posterior nasal apertures or
internal nares, are the paired openings that connect the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx.
This is the precise anatomical boundary between the nasal cavity and the pharynx as
defined in Portage Learning A&P 1 101.
• Pharyngeal tonsil (B): The pharyngeal tonsil, commonly called the adenoid when
enlarged, is a mass of lymphoid tissue located on the posterior superior wall of the
nasopharynx. It is one of the Waldeyer's ring tonsils and plays a role in immune
surveillance of inhaled pathogens.
• Epiglottis (C): The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage attached to the
thyroid cartilage. During the swallowing reflex, it is depressed by the elevation of the
larynx and base of the tongue, covering the glottis to prevent food and liquid from
entering the lower respiratory tract.
• Oropharynx (D): The oropharynx extends from the soft palate to the epiglottis and lies
posterior to the oral cavity. It contains the palatine tonsils laterally and serves as a
common passageway for both air and food.
Sub-Topic: Lower Respiratory Tract (3 Questions)
Question 5 (Multiple-Choice)
Which structural feature of the trachea prevents its collapse during inspiration when
intrapulmonary pressure becomes subatmospheric?
A&P 1 101 Module 2 Exam Questions and Answers
Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Edition.
DOMAIN 1: RESPIRATORY ANATOMY (10 Questions)
Sub-Topic: Upper Respiratory Tract (4 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice)
Which specific type of epithelium lines the nasal cavity and functions to warm, humidify, and
filter incoming air?
A) Simple squamous epithelium
B) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells
C) Stratified squamous epithelium
D) Simple cuboidal epithelium
Answer: B) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells [CORRECT]
Rationale: The nasal cavity is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium containing
goblet cells, which is part of the respiratory mucosa. The goblet cells secrete mucus that traps
inhaled particulate matter, pathogens, and debris, while the cilia sweep this mucus toward the
pharynx for swallowing. This epithelium also contains a rich network of superficial blood vessels
that warm the incoming air and serous glands that add moisture, fulfilling all three protective
functions required by the Portage Learning respiratory system module.
Question 2 (Multiple-Choice)
A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and a sensation of "something stuck" in the throat.
During examination, the physician notes inflammation in the region posterior to the nasal cavity
and superior to the soft palate. Which specific region of the pharynx is affected?
A) Oropharynx
B) Laryngopharynx
, 2
C) Nasopharynx
D) Hypopharynx
Answer: C) Nasopharynx [CORRECT]
Rationale: The nasopharynx is the superior-most region of the pharynx, located directly
posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate. It serves as a passageway for air
only and contains the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids). The oropharynx lies posterior to the oral
cavity, and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx) extends from the hyoid bone to the esophagus.
The anatomical description in the question precisely matches the nasopharynx location as
taught in the Portage Learning A&P 1 101 Module 2 curriculum on upper respiratory tract
anatomy.
Question 3 (True/False)
The epiglottis is composed of hyaline cartilage and remains open during both breathing and
swallowing to allow continuous airflow.
Answer: False [CORRECT]
Rationale: The epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage, not hyaline cartilage. Its primary
function is to close over the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) during swallowing,
preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea and directing them into the esophagus
instead. During normal breathing, the epiglottis remains open to allow air passage. The elastic
nature of its cartilage allows it to spring back into position after each swallow. This is a critical
protective mechanism of the upper respiratory tract emphasized in Portage Learning Module 2.
Question 4 (Fill-in-the-Blank)
Label the following structures of the upper respiratory tract by writing the correct anatomical
term in each blank:
The ____________ (A) is the posterior nasal aperture that connects the nasal cavity to the
nasopharynx. The ____________ (B) is the lymphoid tissue located on the posterior wall of the
nasopharynx. During swallowing, the ____________ (C) closes over the glottis to prevent
, 3
aspiration. The region of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity and contains the
palatine tonsils is called the ____________ (D).
Answer:
A) Choana (or internal nares) [CORRECT]
B) Pharyngeal tonsil (or adenoid) [CORRECT]
C) Epiglottis [CORRECT]
D) Oropharynx [CORRECT]
Rationale:
• Choana (A): The choanae (singular: choana), also called the posterior nasal apertures or
internal nares, are the paired openings that connect the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx.
This is the precise anatomical boundary between the nasal cavity and the pharynx as
defined in Portage Learning A&P 1 101.
• Pharyngeal tonsil (B): The pharyngeal tonsil, commonly called the adenoid when
enlarged, is a mass of lymphoid tissue located on the posterior superior wall of the
nasopharynx. It is one of the Waldeyer's ring tonsils and plays a role in immune
surveillance of inhaled pathogens.
• Epiglottis (C): The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage attached to the
thyroid cartilage. During the swallowing reflex, it is depressed by the elevation of the
larynx and base of the tongue, covering the glottis to prevent food and liquid from
entering the lower respiratory tract.
• Oropharynx (D): The oropharynx extends from the soft palate to the epiglottis and lies
posterior to the oral cavity. It contains the palatine tonsils laterally and serves as a
common passageway for both air and food.
Sub-Topic: Lower Respiratory Tract (3 Questions)
Question 5 (Multiple-Choice)
Which structural feature of the trachea prevents its collapse during inspiration when
intrapulmonary pressure becomes subatmospheric?
