Question

Which is the correct sequence of air passage during inhalation?

Answer 1

Hint: The respiratory tract in a body is the section of the respiratory system which is involved in the process of respiration in mammals. The respiratory tract has an inner lining of respiratory mucosa or respiratory epithelium. The air enters the body through the nose.

Complete answer: The air enters the respiratory system through the nostrils and goes into the nasal chamber. The air then travels across the different parts of the pharynx o.r. nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx, from here the air is then directed to the larynx. The larynx is present above the trachea which results in the air transferring to the trachea or the windpipe. The air travels through the bronchi from the trachea, and then to the bronchioles and then eventually reaches the alveoli for exchange of gases with blood. The respiratory route of air in the respiratory tract is:
Nostrils → nasal cavity →Pharynx → Larynx →Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli or air sacs.
Therefore, out of the given options, option D ‘Nostrils —> pharynx —> larynx —> trachea —> alveoli’ is the most appropriate option.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Additional Information: The respiratory tract can be divided into two parts: the upper airways and the lower airways. The upper airways or the upper respiratory tract comprises the nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and the part of larynx present above the vocal cords. The lower airways or the lower respiratory tract comprises the part of larynx present below the vocal cords, trachea, bronchi and the bronchioles.

Note: Respiration can be defined as the rhythmical process of breathing. In this process, the air is drawn inside the alveoli of the lungs by the process of inhalation and eventually expelled by the process of exhalation. When an individual inhales, the air moves down the trachea, via the bronchial tubes, and reaches the lungs.