Respiratory System MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Respiratory System - Download Free PDF

Last updated on Jun 5, 2025

The respiratory system is a system through which a living organism exhales and inhales gases i.e oxygen and carbon dioxide. The process of the respiratory system includes breathing in oxygen>reaction of oxygen with food molecules leading to show combustion of the molecules>release of energy and its storage in the form of ATP molecules in the cell>elimination of waste products like carbon dioxide and water by breathing out. The respiratory system is an important system of all living organisms. The best approach to attempting the questions of this topic is to learn and practice all the processes and concepts of this topic only then you will be answer all the questions. In today’s exam pattern it has been seen that one or two questions are asked in various government exams. Below are the sets of questions for your practice.

Latest Respiratory System MCQ Objective Questions

Respiratory System Question 1:

The lactic acid that gets accumulated in the muscle cells during rigorous exercise causing muscle cramps is produced from

  1. ATP
  2. Pyruvate
  3. Ethanol
  4. Glucose

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Pyruvate

Respiratory System Question 1 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Pyruvate

Explanation:

  • During intense physical activity, such as rigorous exercise, the oxygen supply to muscle cells may not be sufficient to meet the energy demands of the body.
  • This leads to anaerobic respiration in muscle cells, where glucose is partially broken down to generate energy in the form of ATP.
  • In the absence of sufficient oxygen, pyruvate (a product of glycolysis) is converted into lactic acid by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.
  • The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells is responsible for muscle cramps and fatigue during prolonged or intense exercise.

Pyruvate is a key intermediate in cellular respiration.

  • In the presence of oxygen (aerobic conditions), pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is converted into acetyl-CoA for the citric acid cycle.
  • However, under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid in muscle cells to regenerate NAD⁺, which is essential for glycolysis to continue and produce ATP. This process is called lactic acid fermentation.

Other Options:

  • ATP: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell. It is produced during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. ATP is not directly converted into lactic acid; rather, its production is facilitated by glycolysis, where pyruvate is formed as an intermediate.
  • Ethanol: Ethanol is a byproduct of fermentation in certain microorganisms, such as yeast. It is not produced in human muscle cells. Humans undergo lactic acid fermentation, not alcoholic fermentation, under anaerobic conditions.
  • Glucose: Glucose is the primary source of energy in cellular respiration. It undergoes glycolysis to produce pyruvate, which can subsequently be converted into lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. 

Respiratory System Question 2:

Which cell of the human heart receives abundant oxygen-rich blood from the lungs?

  1. Left atrium
  2. Right ventricle 
  3. Left ventricle
  4. Right atrium
  5. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Left atrium

Respiratory System Question 2 Detailed Solution

  • The Left atrium of the human heart receives abundant oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.
  • The pulmonary veins channels oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium.
  • The inferior and superior vena cava brings the oxygen-poor blood from the body into the right atrium.
  • The pulmonary artery brings oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle into the lungs.

Respiratory System Question 3:

Which of the following statements is/are correct:

Statement I: Breathing is the process of exchanging gases between the blood and body cells.

Statement II: Respiration involves breaking down glucose with oxygen to release energy.

Statement III: The lungs are used for both respiration and digestion.

Statement IV: The diaphragm moves downward during inhalation to allow more air into the lungs. 

  1. Statement I and II are correct.
  2. Statement II and IV are correct.
  3. Only Statement IV is correct.
  4. All statements are correct.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Statement II and IV are correct.

Respiratory System Question 3 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Statement II and IV are correct.

Key Points

  • Statement II: Respiration is the process of breaking down glucose with the help of oxygen to release energy. This energy is utilized by the body for various functions. It is a chemical process that occurs in the cells, involving the oxidation of glucose to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
  • Statement IV: During inhalation, the diaphragm moves downward to create more space in the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air. This movement is crucial for effective breathing.
  • Both Statement II and Statement IV are scientifically accurate, as they describe the fundamental aspects of respiration and the mechanics of breathing.
  • In contrast, the incorrect statements either misstate the role of organs or confuse different biological processes.

Additional Information

Anaerobic respiration

  • Anaerobic respiration is the type of respiration through which cells can break down sugars to generate energy in the absence of oxygen.
  • It is an energy yielding process in which the terminal electron acceptor for the electron transport chain is a molecule other than oxygen.
  • Anaerobic respiration is not as efficient in ATP synthesis as in that of aerobic respiration.
  • The end products of anaerobic respiration are carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol.
  • C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + ATP 

Therefore in anaerobic respiration Carbon dioxide is given out.

Respiratory System Question 4:

In the process of respiration, oxygen is absorbed in the ________ of the lungs, and carbon dioxide is expelled during ________

  1. Alveoli, inhalation
  2. Alveoli, exhalation
  3. Bronchi, inhalation
  4. Bronchi, exhalation 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Alveoli, exhalation

Respiratory System Question 4 Detailed Solution

The Correct answer is Alveoli, exhalation.

Key Points

  • In the process of respiration, oxygen is absorbed in the alveoli, which are microscopic air sacs located in the lungs.
  • Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of capillaries, where the exchange of gases takes place.
  • Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood through the thin walls of the capillaries.
  • The oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported to various parts of the body.
  • Carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is transported back to the lungs via the blood.
  • It diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and is expelled from the body during the process of exhalation.
  • Thus, the alveoli play a crucial role in the process of gas exchange, ensuring that oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.
  • The rhythmic process of inhalation and exhalation ensures a continuous supply of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide, maintaining the body's homeostasis.

Additional Information

  • Alveoli
    • Alveoli are tiny, balloon-like structures located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs.
    • They are the primary site of gas exchange in the respiratory system.
    • Alveoli are highly specialized for this function due to their thin walls and their extensive network of capillaries.
    • Humans have approximately 300–500 million alveoli, providing a large surface area for efficient gas exchange.
  • Bronchi
    • The bronchi are the major air passages that branch off from the trachea and lead to each lung.
    • They further divide into smaller branches called bronchioles, which eventually end in the alveoli.
    • The bronchi are primarily responsible for conducting air to and from the alveoli but are not involved in the actual exchange of gases.
  • Inhalation and Exhalation
    • Inhalation is the process of taking air into the lungs, driven by the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
    • Exhalation is the process of expelling air from the lungs, primarily a passive process when the muscles relax, though it can be active during forceful breathing.
    • These processes are part of the respiratory cycle, which ensures the continuous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Respiratory System Question 5:

Which among the following is not involved in Respiratory Process?

  1. Calvin cycle
  2. Citric acid cycle
  3. Glycolysis
  4. Electron transport chain
  5. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Calvin cycle

Respiratory System Question 5 Detailed Solution

Key Points

The Calvin cycle

  • The Calvin cycle is a part of photosynthesis, the process plants and other autotrophs use to create nutrients from sunlight and carbon dioxide.
  • The process was first identified by American biochemist Dr. Melvin Calvin in 1957.
  • Hence Calvin cycle is not involved in Respiratory Process.

Additional Information 

The citric acid cycle

  • The citric acid cycle is the key metabolic pathway responsible for the oxidative degradation of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates and a source of numerous biosynthetic intermediates.
  • The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs or citric acid cycle, is the main source of energy for cells and an important part of aerobic respiration.

Glycolysis

  • Glycolysis can be broadly defined as an energy-yielding pathway that results in the cleavage of a hexose (glucose) to a triose (pyruvate). Glycolysis is one of the main processes involved in cellular respiration.
  • Glycolysis is the pathway that converts sugar into energy, or glucose (C6H12O6) into pyruvate (CH3COCOO), generating ATP during the conversion.

Electron transport chain

  • The electron transport chain (ETC) passes electrons from lower to higher standard reduction potentials and ultimately to oxygen-forming water.
  • It occurs in both cellular respiration and photosynthesis in the mitochondria.

Top Respiratory System MCQ Objective Questions

Which of the following aquatic animals does NOT have gills?

  1. Octopus
  2. Squid
  3. Clown fish
  4. Whale

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Whale

Respiratory System Question 6 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Whale.

Key Points

  • Gills are respiratory organs found in most aquatic organisms.
  • Gills can extract dissolved oxygen from water and excrete carbon dioxide.
  • Gills can be found in Octopus, Squid, Clownfish, Tadpole, Prawn, etc.
  • Lungs are the breathing organ of Whales.

Additional InformationRespiratory organs of different Animals:

Animal Respiratory Organ
Earthworm Skin.
Whale Lungs
Spider, Scorpion Booklungs.
Cockroach Trachea.
Tadpole, Fish, Prawn Gills
Frog Skin, Lungs, Buccal cavity
Amphibians, mammals, and birds Lungs.

Which part of the Human lungs provide surface for the exchange of gases?

  1. Diaphragm
  2. Bronchioles
  3. Bronchi
  4. Alveoli

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Alveoli

Respiratory System Question 7 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Alveoli.

Key Points

  • The alveoli are where the lungs and the blood exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide during the process of breathing in and breathing out.
    • These are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles (tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs).
    • Oxygen breathed in from the air passes through the alveoli and into the blood and travels to the tissues throughout the body.
    • Carbon dioxide travels in the blood from the body's tissues and passes through the alveoli to be breathed out.

What is aerobic respiration?

  1. Respiration without molecular oxygen
  2. Respiration through skin
  3. Respiration in presence of oxygen
  4. Respiration through gills

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Respiration in presence of oxygen

Respiratory System Question 8 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Respiration in the presence of oxygen.

Key Points

  • The respiration that takes place in the presence of oxygen is termed aerobic respiration.
  • The amount of energy released is more in aerobic respiration is quite large in comparison to anaerobic respiration.
  • 1 molecule of Glucose in aerobic respiration results in the gain of 36 or 38 molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in comparison to anaerobic respiration where the gain is of only 2 ATP molecules.
  • Aerobic respiration occurs in mitochondria, which is termed as the Powerhouse of the cell.
  • Aerobic respiration takes place in higher organisms that have higher energy requirements.

During the ________ process, heat energy is formed.

  1. circulation
  2. excretion
  3. digestion
  4. respiration

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : respiration

Respiratory System Question 9 Detailed Solution

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The correct option is 4 i.e., respiration

  • During the respiration process, heat energy is formed.
  • The process of releasing energy from glucose is called respiration. The energy in glucose can be released in a single reaction. When this happens heat energy is released as glucose burns

There are two main types of respiration

  • Aerobic
  • Anaerobic

Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic:

Aerobic Anaerobic
In this type of respiration, oxygen is present In this type of respiration, Oxygen is absent
Gases are exchanged in this form of respiration Gases are not exchanged in this form of respiration
In this type of respiration,  Glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. In this type of respiration, Glucose breaks down into ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide, and energy.

In the process of aerobic respiration, the final product is -

  1. ​CO2 + H2O
  2. O+ H2O
  3. Lactic Acid
  4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : ​CO2 + H2O

Respiratory System Question 10 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is ​CO2 + H2O.

Explanation:

  • Aerobic respiration is the process of cellular respiration to produce energy from food in the presence of oxygen.
  • This respiration is common in most plants and animals, humans, other mammals, and birds.
  • The chemical equation of aerobic respiration is following
    • C6H12O6 + 6O2 →  6CO2 + 6 H2O + Energy
  • Hence according to the equation, this respiration's last product is CO2 and H2O.

Additional Information

There are two types of respiration

  • Aerobic Respiration- In the Presence of oxygen.
  • Anaerobic respiration- In absence of oxygen.
    • Equation of anaerobic respiration
      • C6H12O6 → 2C2H5O H + 2CO2 + Energy 

Important Points

Respiration is of 2 types:

Aerobic Respiration

Anaerobic Respiration

It takes place in the presence of oxygen.

It takes place in the absence of oxygen.

A complete breakdown of food occurs.

A partial breakdown of food occurs.

The end products are carbon dioxide and water.

The end products may be ethanol and carbon dioxide as found in yeast or lactic acid as seen in animal muscles.

It releases 38 ATP per glucose molecule.

It releases only 2 ATP per glucose molecule.

 

The process of taking oxygen rich air in the body is called ______.

  1. Inhalation
  2. Exhalation
  3. Flotation
  4. Exploration

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Inhalation

Respiratory System Question 11 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is option 1 i.e Inhalation.

Important Points

  • Breathing is the process of transfer of air into and out of the lungs to perform gas exchange.
  • The breathing cycle consists of two processes namely inhalation and exhalation.
  • The process of taking oxygen-rich air in the body is called inhalation.
  • The process of giving out carbon dioxide-rich air is known as exhalation.
  • Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration during the production of energy.
  • Both inhalation and exhalation are autonomic processes.
  • The average respiration rates for an adult person at rest range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
  • The average respiration rates for a newborn baby range from 30 to 40 breaths per minute.

In aerobic respiration, glucose breaks down into ______.

  1. Carbon dioxide, water, energy
  2. Carbon dioxide, alcohol, energy
  3. Water, alcohol, energy
  4. Carbon dioxide, energy

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Carbon dioxide, water, energy

Respiratory System Question 12 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer isCarbon dioxide, water, energy.

  • In aerobic respiration, glucose breaks down into Carbon dioxide, water, energy.

Key Points

  • Aerobic Respiration:
    • The respiration which takes place in the presence of oxygen is known as aerobic respiration.
    • In this process, in fact, each glucose molecule is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid by the process, called glycolysis.
    • Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell.
    • The pyruvic acid formed, releases energy with the formation of carbon dioxide and water.
    • C6H12O6+ 6O2→ 6CO2+ 6H2O + energy

Additional Information

  • Anaerobic Respiration
    • The respiration which takes place in the absence of oxygen is known as anaerobic respiration.
    • In this process, the respiratory substances are incompletely oxidized to carbon dioxide and alcohol.

Which of the following membrane covers the lung?

  1. Ciliated Epithelium
  2. Diaphragm
  3. Pleura
  4. Sternum

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Pleura

Respiratory System Question 13 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is option 3, i.e Pleura.

  • Pleura is the membrane that will cover the lungs, it is a double-layered membrane between the double layer membrane and a jelly-like fluid is also present to lower the friction on the long surface.  
  • Diaphragm: It is located below the lungs. It is the major muscle of the respiration system, It is a dome-shaped muscle that contracts and expands rhythmically and involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges.

Additional Information

  • Sternum: The sternum is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, and it helps to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury
  • Ciliated epithelium
    • The nasal passage, as well as the bronchioles, are lined with columnar ciliated epithelium.
    • These cells secrete mucus and the cilia help in the removal of dust from the air.

Lungs are enclosed in

  1. perichondrium
  2. pericardium
  3. pleural membrane
  4. peritoneum

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : pleural membrane

Respiratory System Question 14 Detailed Solution

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Key Points

  • Lungs are the vascularised bags that are used by the terrestrial forms for the exchange of gases (pulmonary respiration).
  • Humans have a pair of lungs that are covered by a double-layered pleura or pleural membrane, with pleural fluid between them.
  • It reduces friction on the lung surface.
  • The outer pleural membrane is in close contact with the thoracic lining whereas the inner pleural membrane is in contact with the lung surface.

Additional Information

  • Pericardium - The heart is protected by a double-walled membranous bag, pericardium, enclosing the pericardial fluid. 
  • The peritoneum - is the membrane that lines the visceral cavity and enclosed the visceral organs.
  • Perichondrium - is a layer of connective tissues that enclose or surrounds the cartilage of a developing bone.

Which cell of the human heart receives abundant oxygen-rich blood from the lungs?

  1. Left atrium
  2. Right ventricle 
  3. Left ventricle
  4. Right atrium

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Left atrium

Respiratory System Question 15 Detailed Solution

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  • The Left atrium of the human heart receives abundant oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.
  • The pulmonary veins channels oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium.
  • The inferior and superior vena cava brings the oxygen-poor blood from the body into the right atrium.
  • The pulmonary artery brings oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle into the lungs.
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