In what order does inhaled air travel through the respiratory system?

Inhaled air travels through the respiratory system in a specific sequence that begins at the entry point of the airway. The correct order starts with the nose, where air is filtered, warmed, and humidified. Following the nose, the air moves into the pharynx, which serves as a passageway for both air and food, ensuring that air continues its journey toward the lungs. After the pharynx, inhaled air enters the trachea, which is the main airway that directs air into the bronchi. Finally, air travels through the bronchi into the bronchiole tubes, which branch into the lungs.

Understanding this pathway is crucial because each part of the respiratory system serves an important function in preparing air for gas exchange in the lungs, ensuring that the body receives oxygen efficiently while also filtering out pollutants and pathogens. The other sequences do not accurately represent the anatomical and functional organization of the respiratory system.