Respiratory physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Respiratory physiology

Sample item

Where does most pulmonary gas exchange occur?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alveoli

Alveoli provide a large thin respiratory membrane closely apposed to capillaries, allowing diffusion of oxygen into blood and carbon dioxide out.

Option by option

  • A. Trachea

    Trachea conducts air but is not a major exchange surface.

  • B. Pleural cavity

    Pleural cavity surrounds lungs and does not exchange gas.

  • C. Alveoli (correct)

    Correct: alveoli are the principal gas-exchange units.

  • D. Main bronchi

    Main bronchi conduct air to smaller airways.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Alveoli. Alveoli provide a large thin respiratory membrane closely apposed to capillaries, allowing diffusion of oxygen into blood and carbon dioxide out.

Why is "Trachea" not the answer?

Trachea conducts air but is not a major exchange surface.

Why is "Pleural cavity" not the answer?

Pleural cavity surrounds lungs and does not exchange gas.

Why is "Main bronchi" not the answer?

Main bronchi conduct air to smaller airways.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: alveoli are the principal gas-exchange units.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Respiratory physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.