What is the role of a laryngeal spasm in the respiratory system?
To enhance oxygen intake during intense activity
To temporarily close the airway and prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs
To reduce lung expansion by inhibiting smooth muscle contraction
To stimulate the VRG and increase lung volume
The Correct Answer is B
A. To enhance oxygen intake during intense activity: Laryngeal spasm does not facilitate oxygen intake. In fact, it temporarily obstructs airflow, making breathing difficult. Oxygen delivery during activity relies on normal airway patency and increased ventilation, not protective reflexes like a laryngeal spasm.
B. To temporarily close the airway and prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs: Laryngeal spasm is a protective reflex that causes sudden closure of the vocal cords in response to irritants, liquids, or foreign bodies. This prevents aspiration into the trachea and lungs, protecting the lower respiratory tract from potential injury or infection.
C. To reduce lung expansion by inhibiting smooth muscle contraction: Lung expansion is controlled by diaphragm and intercostal muscle activity, not by laryngeal spasms. The spasm does not directly affect smooth muscle in the lungs; its main effect is at the level of the larynx.
D. To stimulate the VRG and increase lung volume: The ventral respiratory group (VRG) regulates rhythm and force of respiration. Laryngeal spasm does not stimulate the VRG or increase lung volume; rather, it temporarily halts airflow as a protective mechanism.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. It increases: When oxygen demand rises, such as during exercise or metabolic stress, chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and medulla detect lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels. The respiratory center in the brainstem responds by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination, meeting the body’s metabolic needs.
B. It decreases: A decrease in respiratory rate would reduce oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal, worsening hypoxia and hypercapnia. This response is contrary to physiological needs during increased oxygen demand and would be maladaptive.
C. It remains the same: Maintaining a constant respiratory rate would be insufficient to meet elevated oxygen demands, leading to tissue hypoxia. The body naturally adjusts ventilation to match metabolic requirements rather than keeping it unchanged.
D. It stops: Complete cessation of breathing, or apnea, prevents oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal, which is life-threatening. The body automatically increases ventilation rather than stopping it when oxygen demand rises.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Limit the airflow to maintain balance: Limiting airflow would reduce ventilation and impair oxygen delivery. Inspiratory muscles do not restrict airflow; instead, they adjust their force to ensure sufficient air reaches the alveoli despite resistance.
B. Relax more quickly: Rapid relaxation of inspiratory muscles would prematurely end inhalation, decreasing tidal volume and reducing the effectiveness of ventilation. Overcoming airway resistance requires sustained contraction, not faster relaxation.
C. Generate a stronger pressure gradient: Inspiratory muscles, primarily the diaphragm and external intercostals, must create a greater negative intrapulmonary pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. This stronger pressure gradient allows air to flow into the lungs despite increased airway resistance or decreased lung compliance.
D. Decrease the thoracic cavity size: Decreasing thoracic cavity size would increase intrapulmonary pressure, which would oppose inhalation. To overcome resistance, the thoracic cavity must expand, lowering intrapulmonary pressure and drawing air into the lungs.
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