Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which of these is NOT a component of the respiratory system?

1. Alveoli

2. Liver

3. Bronchi

4. Trachea

The correct answer is: Liver

The liver is not a component of the respiratory system. The respiratory system primarily includes the structures that facilitate breathing and gas exchange, such as the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. These components work together to allow oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination, which is essential for maintaining cellular respiration and overall body function. The trachea is the windpipe that connects the throat to the lungs, providing a passage for air. The bronchi are the major air passages that branch off from the trachea and lead into the lungs. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. Unlike these components, the liver is part of the digestive system and is responsible for various functions such as metabolizing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing bile.