Name the components of the respiratory system in the order incoming air would encounter them during breathing.
A. trachea, pharynx, larynx, alveoli, bronchi
B. bronchi, larynx, alveloi, trachea, pharynx
C. larynx, trachea, bronchi, pharynx, alveoli
D. pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveloi
D
Good Job!
To determine the correct answer, let's break down the components of the respiratory system and understand the order in which incoming air would encounter them during breathing.
The respiratory system consists of several key components that work together to facilitate the process of breathing and gas exchange. These components include the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the order in which incoming air would encounter these components:
1. Pharynx: The process of respiration begins with the pharynx, which is a tube-like structure located at the back of the throat. It serves as a passage for both air and food.
2. Larynx: After air passes through the pharynx, it enters the larynx or the voice box. The larynx contains the vocal cords and is involved in producing sound and protecting the entry of foreign objects into the airway.
3. Trachea: Next, the air moves into the trachea, also known as the windpipe. It is a rigid tube made up of rings of cartilage, which helps maintain its shape and prevent collapse. The trachea connects the larynx to the bronchi.
4. Bronchi: The trachea branches into two bronchi, one leading to each lung. These bronchi further divide into smaller and smaller branches called bronchioles, eventually leading to the alveoli.
5. Alveoli: The alveoli are tiny, balloon-like structures at the end of the bronchioles. They are the site of gas exchange in the lungs, where oxygen from the air enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is expelled.
Now, based on this understanding of the respiratory system, let's identify the correct order of the components:
Option D: pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.