COM Nasal Breathing & Airway Function 1

Question 1

What is the primary advantage of nasal breathing over mouth breathing for inspired air?

Accepted Answer

It filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs

Answer

It increases the total volume of air intake per breath

Answer

It reduces the work of the diaphragm during inhalation

Answer

It speeds up gas exchange in the alveoli

Question 2

Which nasal structures are primarily responsible for warming and humidifying inspired air?

Accepted Answer

Turbinates (conchae)

Answer

Nasal septum

Answer

Cribriform plate

Answer

Eustachian tubes

Question 3

Nitric oxide (NO) produced in the nasal sinuses during nasal breathing primarily functions to:

Accepted Answer

Act as a vasodilator and bronchodilator, improving oxygen uptake

Answer

Increase mucus viscosity for better filtration

Answer

Reduce the pH of inspired air

Answer

Stimulate the olfactory nerve for scent detection

Question 4

In clinical orofacial myofunctional practice, the 'nasal cycle' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The alternating congestion and decongestion between the two nasal passages

Answer

The rhythm of nasal breathing during non-REM sleep stages

Answer

Seasonal variations in nasal allergy presentations

Answer

The production cycle of nasal mucus every 24 hours

Question 5

The nasal mucociliary clearance system protects the airway by:

Accepted Answer

Trapping pathogens and particles and moving them toward the pharynx for elimination

Answer

Controlling the pH of nasal secretions

Answer

Detecting and neutralizing airborne allergens chemically

Answer

Regulating humidity within the nasal cavity only

Question 6

Compared to mouth breathing, nasal breathing during rest is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Greater activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and calming effects

Answer

Higher levels of sympathetic nervous system activation

Answer

Increased carbon dioxide retention in the blood

Answer

Reduced diaphragmatic excursion

Question 7

In orofacial myology, proper nasal breathing at rest is most closely associated with which tongue position?

Accepted Answer

Tongue body resting against the palate with tip at the incisive papilla

Answer

Tongue tip resting behind lower incisors

Answer

Tongue pressed against the buccal mucosa

Answer

Tongue resting on the floor of the mouth