Question

Which of these statements are false regarding the human respiratory system?
a. The nasal chamber opens into the pharynx.
b. Trachea, bronchus and initial bronchioles are supported by complete cartilaginous rings.
c. The branching network of bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli comprises the lungs.
d. Pleural fluid increases friction on the lung surface.

• A. a & b
• B. b & c
• C. b & d
• D. Only d

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The nasal chamber opens into the pharynx, a portion of which is the common passage for food and air. The pharynx opens through the larynx region into the trachea. The larynx is a cartilaginous box which helps in sound production and hence called the soundbox. During swallowing, glottis can be covered by a thin elastic cartilaginous flap called epiglottis to prevent the entry of food into the larynx. The trachea is a straight tube extending up to the mid-thoracic cavity, which divides at the level of 5th thoracic vertebra into a right and left primary bronchi. Each bronchus undergoes repeated divisions to form the secondary and tertiary bronchi and bronchioles ending up in very thin terminal bronchioles. The tracheae, primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi, and initial bronchioles are supported by incomplete cartilaginous rings. Each terminal bronchiole gives rise to a number of very thin, irregular-walled and vascularised bag-like structures called alveoli. The branching network of bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli comprise the lungs. The lungs which are covered by a double-layered pleura, with pleural fluid between them. It reduces friction on the lung-surface.