Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which of the following structures are part of the air passages involved in respiration?

1. Esophagus

2. Stomach

3. Trachea

4. Intestines

The correct answer is: Trachea

The trachea is the correct choice as it is a crucial component of the respiratory system. It functions as a passageway for air to travel from the larynx to the bronchi, which then lead to the lungs. The trachea is lined with cilia and mucus to help filter and humidify the air we breathe before it reaches the more delicate structures of the lungs. Its role is essential for proper respiratory function, allowing gas exchange to occur efficiently. In contrast, the esophagus serves as a conduit for food and liquids to reach the stomach. It is part of the digestive system, not the respiratory system. Similarly, the stomach is involved in digestion, breaking down food substances rather than facilitating respiration. The intestines also belong to the digestive system, playing a role in the absorption of nutrients rather than in the movement of air. Thus, the trachea is uniquely positioned within the context of air passage and respiration, leading to its designation as the correct answer.