1.2.1 Pathway of air through the respiratory system

• What is the function of the pharynx?

  Passageway for air and food
• What are the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs?

  Alveoli
• The larynx directs air into the trachea and prevents food from entering.

  True
• What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

  Prevents food entry into trachea
• The trachea is supported by cartilage rings to prevent it from collapsing.


  True
• The epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

  True
• The mucosa lining of the trachea traps debris and bacteria, moving them up to the throat
• The trachea divides into the left and right bronchi
• What is the alternative air entry pathway that does not condition air?

  Mouth
• Why are cartilage rings important in the trachea?

  Prevent collapse
• What structural feature of alveoli facilitates rapid gas diffusion?

  Thin walls
• The nose and nasal cavity filter, warm, and moisturize air before it reaches the lungs.


  True
• The bronchi divide the trachea into the left and right lungs.


  True
• Match the component of the respiratory system with its function.

  Nose and Nasal Cavity ↔️ Filters, warms, and moisturizes air

  Pharynx ↔️ Passageway for air and food

  Larynx ↔️ Contains vocal cords

  Trachea ↔️ Transports air to lungs

  Bronchi ↔️ Divides into left and right lungs

  Alveoli ↔️ Gas exchange
• Describe the swallowing process involving the pharynx.

  1️⃣ Food enters the pharynx

  2️⃣ Muscle contractions move food towards the esophagus

  3️⃣ The epiglottis closes over the trachea

  4️⃣ Food enters the esophagus
• The nose and nasal cavity filter, warm, and moisturize air, while the mouth is an alternative pathway that is less effective at air conditioning
• What is the primary function of the vocal cords in the respiratory system?

  Produce sound
• What happens when air passes over the vocal cords?

  Sound is produced
• The mucosa lining in the trachea helps remove debris and bacteria.


  True
• Match the respiratory system component with its function.

  Trachea ↔️ Transports air to lungs

  Bronchioles ↔️ Control air flow

  Alveoli ↔️ Gas exchange
• The epiglottis closes over the trachea during swallowing to prevent food entry
• Bronchioles have cartilage rings but no smooth muscle.

  False
• The major components of the respiratory system are the nose and nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
• The larynx contains the vocal cords and allows air to pass to the trachea
• Describe the path of air entering the respiratory system through the nose and mouth.

  1️⃣ Air enters through the nose or mouth

  2️⃣ Air passes through the pharynx

  3️⃣ Air enters the larynx

  4️⃣ Air travels down the trachea

  5️⃣ Air branches into the bronchi

  6️⃣ Air flows into the bronchioles

  7️⃣ Air reaches the alveoli for gas exchange
• The bronchioles are smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli
• Match the structure in the larynx with its function.

  Vocal cords ↔️ Produce sound

  Epiglottis ↔️ Prevents food entry
• What is the purpose of the mucosa lining in the trachea?

  Traps debris and bacteria
• The larynx, also known as the voice box, directs air into the trachea
• What is the function of the cartilage rings in the trachea?

  Prevent collapse
• What is the primary function of the nose and nasal cavity in the respiratory system?

  Filter, warm, moisturize air
• The pharynx serves as a common passageway for both air and food.

  True
• The bronchi are supported by cartilage rings and a mucosa lining
• Arrange the following structures in the order air passes through them when exiting the body.

  1️⃣ Alveoli

  2️⃣ Bronchioles

  3️⃣ Bronchi

  4️⃣ Trachea

  5️⃣ Larynx

  6️⃣ Pharynx

  7️⃣ Nose/Mouth