Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

The turbinates, which extend into the nasal passageway, function by:

1. Improving filtration, warming, and humidification of inhaled air

2. Blocking foreign particles from entering the lungs

3. Facilitating the exchange of gases

4. Increasing airflow through the nasal passages

The correct answer is: Improving filtration, warming, and humidification of inhaled air

The turbinates, or nasal conchae, are bony structures in the nasal cavity that are crucial for the proper functioning of the respiratory system. They play a vital role in improving filtration, warming, and humidification of the various air we breathe in. As air travels through the nasal passages, the turbinates create turbulence, which helps to trap larger particles and pathogens in mucus, preventing them from moving deeper into the respiratory system. This process enhances the filtration of inhaled air. In addition, they increase the surface area within the nasal cavity, allowing for better contact with the warm tissues. This contact helps to warm the air to body temperature, making it more suitable for the lungs. Furthermore, the turbinates also help to humidify the air by adding moisture, promoting a healthier environment for the respiratory tract. Other options, while related to respiratory function, do not capture the full scope of the turbinates' primary functions. For instance, while they do contribute to blocking foreign particles, their main purpose is to enhance the quality of the air entering the lungs, rather than simply blocking particles. Facilitating gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, not within the nasal passages, and increasing airflow is not the primary role