It's a muscular funnel divided into three parts nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx (Respiratory System 4). It's main function is to pass inhaled air to the next parts in the respiratory tract from the nasal cavity, this is why it is shaped as a funnel so that the expected air is delivered properly. Next, before the air descends to the trachea it interacts which a flap of connective tissue called the epiglottis. The epiglottis closes the opening to the esophagus to prevent air passing into the stomach, then it closes the opening to the trachea during swallowing to prevent aspiration. It's shape as a flap is due it needing to cover different pathways. Thirdly, the air passes through the trachea, the trachea is a five inch, hollow tube surrounded by tough, flexible, C-shaped cartilage rings lined with cilia. It's main function is to allows air to pass from the pharynx into the lungs. The cartilage rings allows the trachea to remain open the entire time to provide a clear
It's a muscular funnel divided into three parts nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx (Respiratory System 4). It's main function is to pass inhaled air to the next parts in the respiratory tract from the nasal cavity, this is why it is shaped as a funnel so that the expected air is delivered properly. Next, before the air descends to the trachea it interacts which a flap of connective tissue called the epiglottis. The epiglottis closes the opening to the esophagus to prevent air passing into the stomach, then it closes the opening to the trachea during swallowing to prevent aspiration. It's shape as a flap is due it needing to cover different pathways. Thirdly, the air passes through the trachea, the trachea is a five inch, hollow tube surrounded by tough, flexible, C-shaped cartilage rings lined with cilia. It's main function is to allows air to pass from the pharynx into the lungs. The cartilage rings allows the trachea to remain open the entire time to provide a clear