What is the correct order of structures through which air passes as it is inhaled by a typical mammal?

• A. Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, bronchiole, bronchus, trachea, alveolus
• B. Nasal cavity, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchiole, alveolus
• C. Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchiole, bronchus, alveolus
• D. Nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, larynx, bronchus, bronchiole, alveolus
• E. Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchiole, alveolus

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the pathway of air in the respiratory system of a typical mammal. Air enters through the nasal cavity, where it is filtered, warmed, and humidified.
2. Next, the air moves into the pharynx, a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both air and food. It connects the nasal cavity to the larynx.
3. From the pharynx, air passes into the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. The larynx is responsible for sound production and also acts as a passageway for air to enter the trachea.
4. The air then travels down the trachea, a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi. The trachea is reinforced with cartilage rings to keep it open.
5. Finally, the air moves from the trachea into the bronchus, then into smaller bronchioles, and eventually reaches the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. The correct order is: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchiole, alveolus.