Page 1 of 150
Fisdap Airway Exam 2025/2026 | Practice
Questions & Answers | Verified Study Guide
| A+
Q1. Which structure is also known as the "Adams apple" and is
the largest cartilage of the larynx?
A) Cricoid cartilage
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Epiglottis
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Answer: B) Thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal
cartilage. Its anterior prominence is the laryngeal prominence
(Adam's apple), which is more prominent in males after puberty.
The cricoid is the only complete ring of cartilage in the airway.
,Page 2 of 150
Q2. What is the function of the epiglottis?
A) Produce sound (phonation)
B) Filter and humidify air
C) Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during
swallowing
D) Regulate airflow resistance
Answer: C) Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea
during swallowing
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic
cartilage. During swallowing, it folds posteriorly to cover the
glottis (opening to the larynx), directing food into the esophagus.
This protects the lower airway.
Q3. Which anatomical structure divides the upper and lower
respiratory tracts?
A) Pharynx
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B) Larynx
C) Carina
D) Cricoid cartilage
Answer: B) Larynx
Rationale: The larynx (voice box) is the boundary between the
upper airway (nose, mouth, pharynx) and lower airway (trachea,
bronchi, lungs). The carina is the bifurcation of the trachea into
mainstem bronchi.
Q4. During an apneic patient's respiration, which nerve directly
stimulates the diaphragm to contract?
A) Vagus nerve (CN X)
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Phrenic nerve
D) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Answer: C) Phrenic nerve
, Page 4 of 150
Rationale: The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) provides motor innervation
to the diaphragm. When stimulated, the diaphragm contracts →
moves inferiorly → increases thoracic volume → negative
pressure draws air into lungs.
Q5. Which of the following is the narrowest portion of the
pediatric airway?
A) Glottis
B) Cricoid cartilage
C) Trachea
D) Carina
Answer: B) Cricoid cartilage
Rationale: In children (<8 years old), the cricoid cartilage is the
narrowest part of the airway (funnel-shaped). In adults, the
glottis (vocal cords) is the narrowest. This affects endotracheal
tube sizing and risk of post-intubation edema.
Fisdap Airway Exam 2025/2026 | Practice
Questions & Answers | Verified Study Guide
| A+
Q1. Which structure is also known as the "Adams apple" and is
the largest cartilage of the larynx?
A) Cricoid cartilage
B) Thyroid cartilage
C) Epiglottis
D) Arytenoid cartilage
Answer: B) Thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal
cartilage. Its anterior prominence is the laryngeal prominence
(Adam's apple), which is more prominent in males after puberty.
The cricoid is the only complete ring of cartilage in the airway.
,Page 2 of 150
Q2. What is the function of the epiglottis?
A) Produce sound (phonation)
B) Filter and humidify air
C) Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during
swallowing
D) Regulate airflow resistance
Answer: C) Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea
during swallowing
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic
cartilage. During swallowing, it folds posteriorly to cover the
glottis (opening to the larynx), directing food into the esophagus.
This protects the lower airway.
Q3. Which anatomical structure divides the upper and lower
respiratory tracts?
A) Pharynx
,Page 3 of 150
B) Larynx
C) Carina
D) Cricoid cartilage
Answer: B) Larynx
Rationale: The larynx (voice box) is the boundary between the
upper airway (nose, mouth, pharynx) and lower airway (trachea,
bronchi, lungs). The carina is the bifurcation of the trachea into
mainstem bronchi.
Q4. During an apneic patient's respiration, which nerve directly
stimulates the diaphragm to contract?
A) Vagus nerve (CN X)
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Phrenic nerve
D) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Answer: C) Phrenic nerve
, Page 4 of 150
Rationale: The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) provides motor innervation
to the diaphragm. When stimulated, the diaphragm contracts →
moves inferiorly → increases thoracic volume → negative
pressure draws air into lungs.
Q5. Which of the following is the narrowest portion of the
pediatric airway?
A) Glottis
B) Cricoid cartilage
C) Trachea
D) Carina
Answer: B) Cricoid cartilage
Rationale: In children (<8 years old), the cricoid cartilage is the
narrowest part of the airway (funnel-shaped). In adults, the
glottis (vocal cords) is the narrowest. This affects endotracheal
tube sizing and risk of post-intubation edema.
