Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
7 cards from real CRE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
Which cells lining the bronchial tree produce mucus that traps inhaled particles?
Answer: Goblet cells
Goblet cells are mucus-secreting epithelial cells found throughout the bronchial tree that help trap and remove inhaled debris.
The functional residual capacity (FRC) is the sum of which two lung volumes?
Answer: Expiratory reserve volume + residual volume
FRC equals expiratory reserve volume plus residual volume, representing the gas remaining in the lungs after a normal passive exhalation.
Surfactant is produced primarily by which pulmonary cell type?
Answer: Type II pneumocytes
Type II pneumocytes synthesize and secrete surfactant, a phospholipid mixture that reduces alveolar surface tension and prevents collapse.
During inspiration, intrapleural pressure typically changes from approximately −5 cmH₂O to:
Answer: −8 cmH₂O
During a normal tidal breath, intrapleural pressure drops from about −5 to −8 cmH₂O, creating the pressure gradient that drives airflow into the lungs.
Which muscle is the PRIMARY muscle of inspiration during quiet breathing?
Answer: Diaphragm
The diaphragm accounts for approximately 70–80% of the work of quiet inspiration by contracting and descending to increase thoracic volume.
The angle of Louis (sternal angle) corresponds to which anatomical level, used to identify the carina?
Answer: T4–T5 intervertebral disc
The sternal angle (angle of Louis) lies at the T4–T5 level and marks where the trachea bifurcates into the main stem bronchi at the carina.
What is the approximate anatomical dead space in a healthy 70 kg adult?
Answer: 150 mL
Anatomical dead space is roughly 1 mL per pound of ideal body weight, approximating 150 mL in a 70 kg adult, representing conducting airways that don't participate in gas exchange.