Be a miniaturized ship through the respiratory system

Question

If you were travelling in a miniaturized ship through the respiratory system, from the pharynx to an alveolus, which structures would you pass along the way, and in what order?

1. trachea, larynx, bronchi, and bronchioles
2. larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles
3. bronchioles, bronchi, trachea, and larynx
4. bronchioles, trachea, bronchi, and larynx

Answer 1

As a miniature ship, starting from the pharynx, you would see

Answer #2

larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles

Explanation:

Larynx - where the vocal cords are located and is the gateway to lower respiratory system

Trachea - Windpipe that carries air to lungs

Bronchi - Right and left primary bronchi direct air into each lung

Bronchioles - The smaller branches within the lungs

Answer 2

Hi! You would want to think of this in a systems-thinking level, going from most outward to most inward.

1. trachea, larynx, bronchi, and bronchioles
2. larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles
3. bronchioles, bronchi, trachea, and larynx
4. bronchioles, trachea, bronchi, and larynx

Correct: Larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Rationale: Larynx is the vocal cords, trachea is your windpipe that allows airflow, bronchi are the main tree trunks in your lungs, bronchioles are the tree branches stemming off from the trunks.

Incorrect answers:

1, 3, 4

Answer 3

The correct order of structures you would pass from the pharynx to an alveolus is:

larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles

Pharynx (starting point)

Larynx (voice box)

Trachea (windpipe)

Bronchi (right and left primary bronchi that enter the lungs)

Bronchioles (smaller branches within the lungs)

Alveoli (tiny air sacs for gas exchange – your destination)