Question

Mention the parts and explain the functions of the lower respiratory tract.

Answer 1

Inhaled air from the upper respiratory tract i.e., from the pharynx reaches the lungs through the trachea. Parts of the lower respiratory tract are trachea and lungs. Trachea divides into bronchi and bronchioles. Bronchioles open into alveoli.
The functions of the lower respiratory tract are as follows:

• Trachea - Helps in moistening and warming the air before it reaches the lungs.
• Lungs - It is the most important and primary respiratory organ which helps in breathing.
• Bronchus - It is an air passageway which conducts air from and to the lungs.
• Bronchioles - It helps in conducting air to and from the tiny air sacs called alveoli.
• Alveoli - It is also called air sacs. It is a soft tiny bag-like structure that helps in the exchange of gases. Since it is richly supplied with a network of blood vessels.