Questions on the Respiratory System Related

Review Questions on the Respiratory System related questions and content

A patient is having her tonsils removed. The patient asks the nurse what function the tonsils normally serve. Which of the following would be the most accurate response?

  • A. The tonsils separate your windpipe from your throat when you swallow.
  • B. The tonsils help to guard the body from invasion of organisms.
  • C. The tonsils make enzymes that you swallow and which aid with digestion.
  • D. The tonsils help with regulating the airflow down into your lungs.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The tonsils help to guard the body from invasion of organisms. Tonsils are part of the immune system and act as the body's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. They help to trap and kill these pathogens, preventing them from causing infections in the body. This function is essential for overall immune response and protection against illnesses.

Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: The tonsils do not separate the windpipe from the throat. That function is performed by the epiglottis.
C: Tonsils do not make enzymes for digestion. Enzymes for digestion are mainly produced by the pancreas and salivary glands.
D: Tonsils do not regulate airflow into the lungs. The epiglottis and other structures in the respiratory system are responsible for regulating airflow.