COM Nasal Breathing & Airway Function

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

Nasal breathing conditions incoming air by filtering particulates, warming it to body temperature, and adding humidity, protecting the lower airways.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Turbinates (conchae)

Answer

The turbinates (conchae) create turbulent airflow and have a rich blood supply and mucosa that warm and humidify air as it passes through.

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

Nasally produced nitric oxide is inhaled into the lungs where it acts as a potent vasodilator and bronchodilator, enhancing oxygen absorption.

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 nasal cycle is a normal physiological process in which the nasal turbinates alternately swell and shrink every 2–7 hours, shifting dominant airflow between nostrils.

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

Cilia on the nasal mucosa beat in coordinated waves to transport mucus containing trapped particles and pathogens toward the pharynx, where they are swallowed or expelled.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

COM Nasal Breathing & Airway Function