Question

Describe the function of these terms and describe where they are located: main bronchus, trachea, alveoli, and acinus.

Short answer

Main bronchus: A smaller branch of cartilaginous tissue that stems off of the trachea.

Trachea: A cartilaginous tube that transports air from the larynx to the primary bronchi.

Alveoli: A terminal region of the lung where gas exchange occurs.

Acinus: It has the ability to conduct both air and enable gas exchange.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Systems of Gas Exchange:

• Animal respiratory systems are designed to facilitate gas exchange. In mammals, the air is warmed and humidified in the nasal cavity.
• Air then travels down the pharynx, through the trachea, and into the lungs. In the lungs, air passes through the branching bronchi, reaching the respiratory bronchioles, which house the first site of gas exchange.
• The respiratory bronchioles open into the alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

Functions and location of main bronchus, trachea, alveoli, and acinus.

Main bronchus:

The main bronchus is the channel in the lung that funnels air to the airways where gas exchange occurs. The main bronchus attaches the lungs to the very end of the trachea where it bifurcates.

Trachea:

The trachea is the cartilaginous structure that sits in front of the esophagus and extends from the larynx into the chest cavity. It helps in inhaled air to the lungs and exhaled air back out of the body.

The main function of the trachea is to funnel the inhaled air to the lungs and the exhaled air back out of the body.

Alveoli:

The alveoli are the sites of gas exchange; they are located at the terminal regions of the lung and are attached to the respiratory bronchioles.

Acinus:

The acinus is the structure in the lung where gas exchange occurs.