Question

7. True or false:

a) The pericardium is the membrane surrounding the lungs.
b) The tidal volume describes the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled into the
lungs. ___
c) Tidal volume can be measured with a peak flow meter. ____
d) Inspiration takes up energy but expiration (during normal at rest breathing) is a passive ____
process not normally requiring energy. ____
e) The diaphragm is made of smooth muscle. ___
f) The epiglottis closes off the larynx during swallowing. ___
g) The rate of breathing is controlled by the pituitary gland. ___
h) When an animal exercises the rate of breathing increases because the carbon dioxide
in the blood increases. ___
i) Carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood makes the blood alkaline. ___
j) Carbon dioxide in the blood is mainly carried in the blood plasma. __
k) Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the capillaries by the process of osmosis. ___
1) Expired air contains about 16% oxygen. ___

Answer 1

a) False. The membrane surrounding the lungs is called the pleura.
b) False. The tidal volume describes the volume of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.
c) False. Tidal volume can be measured with a spirometer or a peak flow meter.
d) True.
e) False. The diaphragm is made of skeletal muscle.
f) True.
g) False. The rate of breathing is controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem.
h) True. During exercise, the body produces more carbon dioxide, which increases the breathing rate to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body.
i) False. Carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood makes the blood acidic.
j) False. Carbon dioxide in the blood is mainly carried by red blood cells in the form of bicarbonate ions.
k) False. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the capillaries by the process of diffusion.
l) False. The percentage of oxygen in expired air is lower than in inhaled air, typically around 15%.