1. Name the components of the respiratory system in the order incoming air would encounter them during breathing.
trachea, pharynx, larynx, alveoli, bronchi
bronchi, larynx, alveoli, trachea, pharynx
larynx, trachea, bronchi, pharynx, alveoli
pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli
To determine the correct order of the respiratory system components, we need to understand the path that air takes when we breathe.
1. Pharynx: Air enters the respiratory system through the nostrils, passes through the nasal cavity, and then reaches the pharynx (also known as the throat).
2. Larynx: From the pharynx, the air moves to the larynx (or voice box), located below the pharynx. The larynx contains the vocal cords and is responsible for voice production.
3. Trachea: After passing through the larynx, air enters the trachea (or windpipe), a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi. The trachea consists of cartilage rings, which keep it open and prevent it from collapsing.
4. Bronchi: The trachea branches into two smaller tubes called bronchi (singular: bronchus), with one bronchus leading to each lung. The bronchi are further divided into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli.
5. Alveoli: The alveoli are tiny air sacs found at the end of the bronchioles. They are surrounded by capillaries and are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the bloodstream.
Given this information, the correct order of the components of the respiratory system as the incoming air encounters them during breathing is: pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli.
Therefore, the correct option is: pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli.