Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What is cystic fibrosis primarily characterized by?

1. Enlargement of the lung tissues

2. Overdevelopment of the bronchial tubes

3. Changes in mucus-secreting glands leading to airway blockage

4. Inflammation of the lung lining

The correct answer is: Changes in mucus-secreting glands leading to airway blockage

Cystic fibrosis is primarily characterized by changes in mucus-secreting glands, which leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus. This abnormal mucus production can obstruct the airways and lead to various respiratory complications. The thick secretions create an environment conducive to bacterial infections, inflammation, and ultimately damage the lung tissues over time. This condition predominantly affects the respiratory system and also has implications for the digestive system, but the hallmark feature is indeed related to the mucus glands. The mucus blockage results in various troublesome symptoms such as chronic cough, frequent lung infections, and difficulty breathing, making option C the most accurate representation of cystic fibrosis. While conditions like enlargement of lung tissues or overdevelopment of bronchial tubes may occur as secondary effects of chronic respiratory issues, the fundamental characteristic at the root of cystic fibrosis is the abnormality in mucus production and secretion.