List the structures that help to change the characteristic of inspired air before it reaches the lungs.

Question

please i don't understand this question

Answer 1

The oral and nasal mucosa, together with the trachea, warm inspired air to body temperature (37 degrees) and increase the humidity of inspired air to 100% relative humidity. In addition, the mucociliary coating of the bronchial epithelium traps particulates and microorganisms.

Answer 2

Hi Sami, I'm not totally sure I understand the intent of the question either, but I can try and give you my take.

Inspired air refers the the process of inspiration (breathing in); thus, inspired air is air that is breathed in.

By the characteristics of inspired air, I feel like there could be different intended meanings. For example:

1. Structures that change the physical properties of the air being breathed, e.g. pressure, temperature, etc. that lead to it entering the lungs.
2. Structures that alter the chemical properties of the air in some fashion.

If the meaning is (1), then the answer would focus on things like the diaphragm, which alter the pressure inside the body to bring air into the lungs. It might also include nasal structures that filter particulates from the air.

To be honest, I am not familiar with structures that alter the chemical properties of air prior to entering the lungs. If you have come across these in your coursework, you may have some ideas I do not.