Correct Answer: both a and c
the human respiratory system is a complex network of organs and structures that facilitate the breathing process. the primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism.
the respiratory system is divided into two main components: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. each part plays a critical role in the respiratory process, and together they function to ensure efficient gas exchange with the environment.
the **upper respiratory tract** includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. the nasal cavity is the entry point for air, which is then warmed and moistened as it passes through. the pharynx serves as a pathway for both air and food, while the larynx contains the vocal cords and acts as a gateway to the lower respiratory tract, preventing food and drink from entering the lungs.
the **lower respiratory tract** is comprised of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. the trachea, or windpipe, branches into the bronchi, which further divide into smaller bronchioles in the lungs. this branching network ensures that air is distributed throughout the lungs.
the lungs are the major organs of the respiratory system. they house the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. the alveoli are surrounded by a network of capillaries, where oxygen from the air is transferred to the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood to be exhaled.
in essence, the correct answer to the question about what constitutes the human respiratory system would be:
- lungs
- lower airways (including the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles)
- upper airways (including the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx)
- alveolar air sacs
each of these components is essential for the overall function of the respiratory system, supporting the critical exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that sustains life.
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