Question

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

Short answer

• The main bronchus is the conduit in the lung that funnels air to the airways where gas exchange occurs.
• The trachea serves to funnel air to the lungs.
• The alveoli are the sites of gas exchange
• The acinus is the structure in the lung where gas exchange occurs.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Pathway of Air to Alveoli :

• Air will enter the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and then trachea. The air will then go to the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi before reaching the bronchioles and then alveoli.

Step 2. Explanation

• The main bronchus is the conduit 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.

• The trachea is the cartilaginous structure that extends from the pharynx to the primary bronchi. It serves to funnel air to the lungs.

• 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.

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