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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
This epithelium, located in the respiratory tract, is equipped with
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Anatomy and physiology proctored exam (Ivy college). Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Microvilli: Microvilli increase surface area for absorption (common in intestines), not the hallmark of respiratory epithelium
B. Cilia: Respiratory epithelium (pseudostratified ciliated columnar) is equipped with cilia on its free surface to move mucus and trapped particles
C. Keratin: Keratinization occurs in skin epithelium (protective), not in the typical respiratory lining
D. Desmosomes: Desmosomes are cell junctions found in many epithelia but the question asks about free-surface specializations; cilia are the functional free-surface structures in respiratory epithelium
Similar Questions
What is the anatomical name for the voice box?
A. Pharynx
Pharynx: The pharynx is the throat region (shared airway/digestive pathway), not the voice box
B. Oral cavity
Oral cavity: The oral cavity is the mouth, not the voice box
C. Larynx
Larynx: The larynx is the anatomical name for the voice box
D. Trachea
Trachea: The trachea is the windpipe below the larynx, not the voice box
Full Explanation
A. Pharynx: The pharynx is the throat region (shared airway/digestive pathway), not the voice box
B. Oral cavity: The oral cavity is the mouth, not the voice box
C. Larynx: The larynx is the anatomical name for the voice box
D. Trachea: The trachea is the windpipe below the larynx, not the voice box
Which statement describes the trachea?
A. It is lined with simple squamous epithelium.
It is lined with simple squamous epithelium: The trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, not simple squamous
B. It contains no air-filtering mechanisms.
It contains no air-filtering mechanisms: the trachea has mucus and ciliated cells that trap and move particles (air-filtering mechanisms present)
C. It is comprised of C-shaped cartilage rings.
It is comprised of C-shaped cartilage rings: The trachea is supported anteriorly by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings that keep the airway open
D. It is a passageway for food and for air.
It is a passageway for food and for air: The trachea is only an air passageway; the esophagus transports food
Full Explanation
A. It is lined with simple squamous epithelium: The trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, not simple squamous
B. It contains no air-filtering mechanisms: the trachea has mucus and ciliated cells that trap and move particles (air-filtering mechanisms present)
C. It is comprised of C-shaped cartilage rings: The trachea is supported anteriorly by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings that keep the airway open
D. It is a passageway for food and for air: The trachea is only an air passageway; the esophagus transports food
What changes occur as the respiratory tract branches into smaller and smaller tubes?
A. Their epithelial lining changes to connective tissue.
Their epithelial lining changes to connective tissue. -The lining transitions from pseudostratified ciliated columnar to cuboidal to simple squamous, but never connective tissue.
B. Their epithelial lining becomes thinner.
Their epithelial lining becomes thinner. -This thinning allows efficient gas exchange at the alveolar level.
C. They have relatively thicker epithelial lining.
They have relatively thicker epithelial lining. -The epithelium actually becomes progressively thinner.
D. They have relatively more cartilage.
They have relatively more cartilage. -Cartilage decreases as bronchi branch into bronchioles, disappearing entirely in terminal bronchioles.
Full Explanation
A. Their epithelial lining changes to connective tissue. -The lining transitions from pseudostratified ciliated columnar to cuboidal to simple squamous, but never connective tissue.
B. Their epithelial lining becomes thinner. -This thinning allows efficient gas exchange at the alveolar level.
C. They have relatively thicker epithelial lining. -The epithelium actually becomes progressively thinner.
D. They have relatively more cartilage. -Cartilage decreases as bronchi branch into bronchioles, disappearing entirely in terminal bronchioles.