Functions of Respiratory Structures

Nose/nasal cavity

warms, moistens, filters air as its inhaled

Pharynx

passageway for air; leads to trachea

Larynx

voice box; where vocal cords are located

Trachea

keeps windpipe “open”; cilia filters air before it reaches the lungs

Bronchi

2 branches at end of trachea, each lead to a lung

Bronchioles

network of smaller branches leading from bronchi into lung tissues and ultimately air sacs

Components of Respiratory Zone

• alveolus

• alveolar duct

• alveolar sac

• terminal bronchiole

• respiratory bronchiole