BIOD 151 - Module 2 Exam: Respiratory System, Mechanics &
Pathology 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which of the following structures is considered part of the upper respiratory
tract?
A. Trachea
B. Larynx
C. Pharynx
D. Bronchi
Answer: C
Rationale: The pharynx is part of the upper respiratory tract, whereas the larynx, trachea,
and bronchi are components of the lower respiratory tract.
2. What is the primary function of the nasal conchae?
A. To produce sound and speech
B. To increase surface area for warming and humidifying air
C. To provide a site for gas exchange
D. To prevent food from entering the trachea
Answer: B
Rationale: The nasal conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, creating
turbulence that helps warm, filter, and humidify the air.
,3. Which region of the pharynx is located directly behind the oral cavity?
A. Nasopharynx
B. Laryngopharynx
C. Oropharynx
D. Hypopharynx
Answer: C
Rationale: The oropharynx is the middle portion of the pharynx, situated posterior to the
oral cavity.
4. The ‘Adam’s Apple’ is formed by which laryngeal cartilage?
A. Thyroid cartilage
B. Epiglottis
C. Cricoid cartilage
D. Arytenoid cartilage
Answer: A
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal cartilage and forms the laryngeal
prominence, commonly known as the Adam’s apple.
5. What is the function of the epiglottis?
A. Vibration to produce sound
B. Closing off the larynx during swallowing
C. Regulating the speed of airflow
D. Filtering dust from the air
Answer: B
Rationale: The epiglottis acts as a lid that covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent
food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract.
, 6. Which type of epithelial tissue lines the majority of the conducting zone?
A. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
B. Stratified squamous epithelium
C. Simple squamous epithelium
D. Simple cuboidal epithelium
Answer: A
Rationale: The respiratory mucosa is primarily composed of pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium, which helps move mucus and trapped particles.
7. Why are the tracheal cartilages C-shaped rather than complete rings?
A. To allow the esophagus to expand during swallowing
B. To prevent the trachea from ever collapsing
C. To facilitate the production of low-pitched sounds
D. To reduce the weight of the neck structure
Answer: A
Rationale: The open side of the C-shaped rings faces the esophagus, allowing it to bulge
into the trachea when a bolus of food is swallowed.
8. How many lobes does the right lung typically have?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: C
Rationale: The right lung is larger and divided into three lobes (superior, middle, and
inferior) by horizontal and oblique fissures.
Pathology 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which of the following structures is considered part of the upper respiratory
tract?
A. Trachea
B. Larynx
C. Pharynx
D. Bronchi
Answer: C
Rationale: The pharynx is part of the upper respiratory tract, whereas the larynx, trachea,
and bronchi are components of the lower respiratory tract.
2. What is the primary function of the nasal conchae?
A. To produce sound and speech
B. To increase surface area for warming and humidifying air
C. To provide a site for gas exchange
D. To prevent food from entering the trachea
Answer: B
Rationale: The nasal conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, creating
turbulence that helps warm, filter, and humidify the air.
,3. Which region of the pharynx is located directly behind the oral cavity?
A. Nasopharynx
B. Laryngopharynx
C. Oropharynx
D. Hypopharynx
Answer: C
Rationale: The oropharynx is the middle portion of the pharynx, situated posterior to the
oral cavity.
4. The ‘Adam’s Apple’ is formed by which laryngeal cartilage?
A. Thyroid cartilage
B. Epiglottis
C. Cricoid cartilage
D. Arytenoid cartilage
Answer: A
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal cartilage and forms the laryngeal
prominence, commonly known as the Adam’s apple.
5. What is the function of the epiglottis?
A. Vibration to produce sound
B. Closing off the larynx during swallowing
C. Regulating the speed of airflow
D. Filtering dust from the air
Answer: B
Rationale: The epiglottis acts as a lid that covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent
food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract.
, 6. Which type of epithelial tissue lines the majority of the conducting zone?
A. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
B. Stratified squamous epithelium
C. Simple squamous epithelium
D. Simple cuboidal epithelium
Answer: A
Rationale: The respiratory mucosa is primarily composed of pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium, which helps move mucus and trapped particles.
7. Why are the tracheal cartilages C-shaped rather than complete rings?
A. To allow the esophagus to expand during swallowing
B. To prevent the trachea from ever collapsing
C. To facilitate the production of low-pitched sounds
D. To reduce the weight of the neck structure
Answer: A
Rationale: The open side of the C-shaped rings faces the esophagus, allowing it to bulge
into the trachea when a bolus of food is swallowed.
8. How many lobes does the right lung typically have?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: C
Rationale: The right lung is larger and divided into three lobes (superior, middle, and
inferior) by horizontal and oblique fissures.
